Maths and Physics Chairs

The Maths and Physics Chairs programme is a government initiative that seeks to increase the supply of maths and physics teachers with high-level subject expertise in non-selective state schools. The Chairs Programme launched with Researchers in Schools in May 2014 and was supported by leading business sponsors to spearhead this exciting and innovative programme to recruit outstanding postdoctural researchers to train and teach in non-selective state schools. Due to the success of the initial phase, the programme has now been extended to other subject shortage areas and is now referred to as the ‘Salary Uplift’ programme for shortage subject areas with a focus on STEM subjects.

Programme Overview:

• Maths and Physics Chairs specifically aimed to recruit postdoctoral maths and physics trainees - known as Chairs -to train and teach from September 2014, where individuals work to inject their subject expertise into the schools they work with.
• The long-term aim of the programme is to fuel the pipeline of 16-18 year olds progressing to study maths and science at university and/or into employment in sectors requiring these skills.
• Leading businesses sponsor individual Chairs through the programme, including contributing to their training costs and offering a significant salary uplift to attract the very best candidates.
• As well as building relationships with postdoctoral researchers, businesses that sponsor the programme will offer opportunities to the schools and pupils associated with the programme.
• Through this business sponsorship, each Chair commands a significant salary uplift which can take their total salary and benefits package to £40,000 a year.