What we do

Researchers in Schools is the world’s first teacher training programme designed uniquely for PhD graduates. We recruit researchers, place them as trainee teachers in state schools and support them to develop as excellent teachers and research leaders, who are committed to closing the gap in attainment and university access.

Researchers in Schools is a salaried two to three year programme (three years for maths and physics) that gives participants one day per week ‘off-timetable’ which they use to deliver our Uni Pathways Programme to talented pupils in their subject and to maintain an academic profile alongside their classroom teaching.

For a more detailed report of our work, read our programme overview.

How to get involved

Are you a PhD who wants to help improve the life chances of young people?

01

Check subject availability

Applications for 2017 have now closed. For more details on final maths and physics placements for this year, please contact 0207 939 1947 .

02

Check regional availability

Applications for 2017 have now closed. For more details on final maths and physics placements for this year, please contact 0207 939 1947 .

03

Complete our application form

As applications have now closed, please use this form to register your interest in placements for 2018. We will contact you when applications open later this year with more details.

Apply

Are you a PhD graduate who wants to help shape a young person's life?

We look for individuals with strong communication and interpersonal skills, excellent planning and organisational skills, reflectiveness and resilience, an understanding of the UK teaching profession and a commitment to the RiS mission.

For more information on getting involved with Researchers in Schools, whether you’re a researcher or a school leader, read our FAQs pages.

 

Our impact so far

Researchers in Schools is currently delivered in partnership with 15 SCITTs across the country and over the past three years we have placed over 160 participants in more than 75 schools. The programme is supported by King’s College London and the University of Southampton, which offer associate researcher status to participants, including library privileges.

77%

77% of RIS participants believe they are making a positive difference to the children they are working with

82%

82% qualified as teachers with either an ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Good’ rating

93%

93% of participants agreed that they were proud to be a teacher

100%

100% of our participants have the opportunity to lead university access projects

50

50 non-selective state schools across the country are employing RIS participants

996

996 pupils took part in subject activities and university-style tutorial programmes led by participants

100%

100% of our participants have the opportunity to lead university access projects

33%

33% of maths and physics participants are women

58%

58% of participants last year spent time preparing research for publication, and 47% attended or presented at conferences around the world

”The RIS trainees bring a wealth of current in depth subject knowledge to our pupils, and colleagues too are able to benefit from their recent, cutting edge expertise and their high level research skills. They are always passionate and enthusiastic about their subject and provide a great source of inspiration for the next generation."
Kal Hodgson

SCITT Director at Alliance for Learning

Other ways to support Researchers in Schools

Not a researcher or a school but want to be involved in our mission?
Find out more about the Brilliant Club, the award-winning charity who delivers RIS, here.