More than 700,000 GCSE pupils could be taught physics by non-specialist teachers, the Institute of Physics has warned after combining data from the National Foundation for Educational Research and government sources. The analysis finds about 58% of GCSE physics lessons are delivered by teachers without a post‑A‑level physics qualification. For separate physics GCSEs, government data show 72% of teaching hours were taught by specialists. In July, NFER reported that a quarter of secondary schools in a sample of 2,296 had no specialist physics teachers. The IOP says this equates to more than 350,000 Year 11 pupils and more than 700,000 across both GCSE years being taught by non‑specialists.

Tom Grinyer, the IOP’s chief executive, said: “Despite the often-heroic efforts of teachers having to work in unfamiliar subjects, inevitably many of those students are missing out.” He added: “If we fail to tackle this challenge, then we are failing to nurture the scientists and innovators of tomorrow – with serious consequences for our society and economy.”

The IOP is calling for a 10-year plan to address the shortage with £12 million a year (€13.9 million). The Government currently offers a £29,000 bursary for trainee physics teachers (€33,640) and up to £6,000 in retention payments (€6,960) while early in their career. Judith Hillier, the IOP’s vice president for learning and skills, said: “Despite some recent increases in the numbers taking physics A-level, it is clear that far too many young people are still being denied access to a specialist physics teacher, and to the opportunities that helps unlock for their attainment and progression.” A Department for Education spokesperson said the government is delivering on its pledge to recruit 6,500 more talented teachers with 2,300 more secondary and special school teachers in classrooms this year, and to reduce turnover, with pay awards of almost 10% over two years and ongoing work to restore the status of teaching. The department noted a 25% rise in applications to STEM teaching places starting this autumn through its Plan for Change and said every pupil should have access to expert teachers in physics.