Science is rightly a core subject in primary education, however, it can also receive less focus compared to subjects such as maths and English, which often take priority due to accountability and time pressures.
Recent national findings reflect this picture. According to the Primary Science Teaching Trust, teachers’ confidence with science varies across schools.
The Curriculum and Assessment Review adds that limited curriculum time and a lack of cohesion in how science is sequenced can leave pupils less secure in key scientific ideas before they move into secondary.
Together, these findings point to a clear need to strengthen primary science, but the solutions do not have to be complex.
Below are five simple shifts that any school can begin making now:
1.Prioritise and celebrate science
Raising the status of science begins with deliberate visibility. When science is consistently seen, heard and referenced across the school, it signals that the subject is valued.
Showcasing science through displays, assemblies or newsletters, celebrating whole-school science events, and engaging families with simple science ideas to complete at home all help to create a culture where science is part of everyday learning.
This steady visibility builds pupils’ confidence and reinforces that science is for everyone.
2.Support your science lead
A strong science lead can have a significant impact on the quality of science across a school, but only when they are given the time and support to lead effectively.
Providing protected time, opportunities to engage with subject networks and access to high-quality professional learning ensures they stay informed and able to guide colleagues with confidence.
When science leads feel trusted, equipped and supported by senior leadership, they can drive a coherent, whole-school approach that strengthens provision for every pupil.
3.Encourage purposeful practical work
Practical science is most effective when it combines hands-on activity with minds-on thinking.
When pupils are guided to ask meaningful questions, observe carefully and interpret what they have found, practical work becomes a powerful driver of scientific understanding rather than just a moment of excitement.
Purposeful practical work does not need to be complex or time-consuming. Simple, well-structured investigations, focused observations and short, structured activities that build core scientific thinking can all help pupils make sense of key scientific ideas.
What matters most is a clear learning intention: what should pupils notice, practise or explain, and how will the activity strengthen their understanding over time?
4.Prioritise curriculum design and implementation
A well-designed primary science curriculum should feel manageable for teachers and meaningful for pupils, with clear progression that builds understanding over time.
Thoughtful sequencing of substantive and disciplinary knowledge, consistent use of vocabulary and a shared understanding of the big ideas that underpin science help lessons connect rather than stand in isolation.
Taking time to review long-term plans together, identify concepts that commonly lead to misconceptions and agree on what high-quality science looks like across the school creates consistency in both planning and practice.
5.Dedicate time for CPD
Teacher confidence is one of the strongest drivers of high-quality science teaching, and regular CPD is essential for sustaining it.
Whether delivered through staff meetings, paired planning or short, focused refreshers, ongoing professional learning helps teachers feel ready to lead investigations and teach more challenging concepts with accuracy and assurance.
This does not require large budgets. Making use of free PD sessions, local networks and the expertise already within the school can build a confident, collaborative science culture.
A sustainable way forward
Strengthening primary science does not require sweeping reform. Small, intentional changes made consistently can have a significant impact on pupils’ experiences and outcomes.
By raising the profile of science, supporting subject leadership, and giving teachers the time and confidence they need, schools can build a richer and more coherent science education for every child.
