Science not included in 90 per cent of primary Ofsted reports, study suggests
The study was conducted by the biomedical research charity the Wellcome Trust, who first examined the inspection reports of 770 schools.
According to the Wellcome Trust, 93 per cent of the reports did not include the word ‘science’, which prompted a more thorough analysis of a further 100 papers. Of these further 100 papers, 73 per cent did not reference science, yet 100 per cent mentioned maths.
The findings have prompted the charity to raise serious concerns about the subject and to question the government’s manifesto pledge to make the UK the best place in the world to study science.
Dr Hilary Leevers, head of education and learning at the Wellcome Trust, said: “This analysis suggests that the accountability system as a whole has eased off science. If we were to ensure that Ofsted made comments about science, ensuring that schools offered a broad and balanced curriculum, it would lead to a change in primaries and their approach to delivering science.”
Latest News
17/04/2026 - 10:24
The government is inviting EdTech companies and AI labs to develop AI tutoring tools, in collaboration with teachers, to ensure they support classroom practice.
17/04/2026 - 09:53
The government has rolled out new guidance and practical advice to help families get children ready for school
16/04/2026 - 12:03
Job adverts for secondary school teaching roles have dropped to their lowest level in nine years, raising fresh concerns about teacher recruitment in England.
16/04/2026 - 10:42
Ofqual has fined Cambridge OCR £270,000 for errors relating to A and AS Level physics exam papers in summer 2025.
15/04/2026 - 09:37
The government has announced the locations of 19 new Technical Excellence Colleges, backed by £175 million investment in skills training in priority areas.
