Physics Partners is a dynamic educational charity providing hands-on training and support for non-specialist and newly qualified physics teachers in state secondary schools.
supporting teachers & improving physics teaching
Physics Partners has been dedicated to transforming physics education in state schools, since being founded by volunteers in 2007.
As a dynamic educational charity, our mission is to equip teachers with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to deliver inspiring physics lessons. We particularly support newly qualified teachers and those without a physics background, helping them spark curiosity and encourage pupils to pursue physics, with an apprenticeship, at A-level or beyond. With physics underpinning everything from engineering and medical research to IT industries and video game development, we believe every young person deserves the chance to explore its potential.
We deliver our support through a network of around 50 expert coaches who provide primarily fully-funded Continuous Professional Development (CPD). Working closely with groups of schools, teachers, and technicians, we strengthen subject knowledge, improve teaching practice, and build supportive local networks. Our work addresses the nationwide shortage of qualified physics teachers, supporting both existing teachers and those new to teaching physics, to increase retention.
By empowering teachers, we aim to inspire the next generation to see physics not just as a subject, but as key to understanding the universe and unlocking a world of exciting careers.
Our ImpactWhat Physics Partners OfferS
In-School Training
Free/Subsidised in-school support (half-day/full-day/INSET) physics support
Physics Hubs
Regular Physics support and networking through local Physics Hubs across the UK
Student Events
Study Days and Girls in STEM events for secondary school students.
Online Teacher Training
Enable more regular use of practicals to raise pupil interest, with PowerPoint presentations to accompany each experiment/teaching point
Teaching GCSE Videos
Short video covering key topics in the curriculum
Careers support for Teachers
Short films and presentations to help integrate physics careers into lessons.
Our Team
STAFF
Sally Smith
CEO
Experienced charity sector senior manager, formerly at Diabetes UK.
Paul Hammond
Director of Education
Experienced Educational Leader, previously a Head Teacher and Head of Physics
Trustees
Isabelle Haigh
Chair
Engineer and former Executive at National Grid ESO
Andrew Burton OBE
Trustee
Former Air Vice-Marshal and Head of Royal Air Force Administration; Former Bursar and Clerk to the Governors at Sevenoaks School
Thomas Cookson MBE
Deputy-Chair
Former Head of King Edward V1 School, Southampton; Sevenoaks School and Winchester College
Winston Ginsberg
Trustee
Former Partner of TowerBrook Capital Partners.
Arpan Mehta
Trustee
Clinical Senior Lecturer and Hon. Consultant Neurologist, MRC Protein Phosphorylation & Ubiquitylation Unit, University of Dundee
Emma Smart
Trustee
Head of Science, Bedford Girls’ School
Krysia Sosin
Trustee
Assistant Headteacher, Hylands School, Chelmsford
Mary Breen
Trustee
Schools Adviser, Farrer & Co, Non executive director, Northwood Schools, Former Head, St Mary’s School, Ascot
Matt Hateley
Trustee
Chartered Engineer and Director of Asset Management and Operational Resilience, Ofwat.
Alix Johnstone-Morfoisse
Trustee
Nuclear Engineer, Founder and owner of Simply BD
Kathryn O’Donnell
Trustee
Astrophysicist and Director, Operational Strategy, Space, BAE Systems,
Advisers
Christina Astin
Education Consultant and Trainer, Astin Consulting; Kent Science Adviser and former Head of Science, King’s School Canterbury
Dr Alan Barr
Professor of Particle Physics, Oxford University
Sir Richard Friend FRS
Cavendish Professor of Physics, Cambridge University
Dr. Mark Whalley
Senior Lecturer in Educational Leadership | Physics and Science education, Philosophy of Science, Leadership and Management consultant | Education researcher – teacher retention
Henry Tuck
Experienced Engineering Company Director and ex-Master of the Pipe Makers Livery Company
Equality, diversity and inclusiON
At Physics Partners, we are committed to promoting equal opportunities and creating an inclusive environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and enhances our ability to fulfil our mission.
Our commitment to equal opportunities encompasses all aspects of our work.
- We ensure that our recruitment and employment practices are free from discrimination, harassment, and bias. We provide equal opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
- We do not discriminate in access to training and development programmes based on any protected characteristic.
- We strive to create a working environment that is respectful, inclusive, and supportive. Harassment, discrimination, and any form of bullying are not tolerated within our organisation.
- Our programmes and services are designed to be inclusive and accessible to all individuals. We make reasonable accommodations to ensure that everyone can participate and benefit from our activities and services.
- We have a complaints procedure for reporting discrimination, harassment, or any unequal treatment. All reports are taken seriously and will be thoroughly investigated with appropriate action taken.
- We are committed to continuous improvement in our efforts to promote equal opportunities. We regularly review and update our policies and practices to ensure they align with our commitment to diversity and inclusion.
This Equal Opportunities Statement reflects our dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive community within our charity. We encourage all trustees staff, volunteers, beneficiaries, and partners to embrace and uphold these principles.
We believe that by embracing diversity and ensuring equal opportunities, we can better achieve our mission and create a more just and equitable society.
