We are delighted to share that the Primary Science Teacher Award winners for 2024 were honoured at a special awards ceremony held at We the Curious in Bristol on Wednesday 9 October. The ceremony was a wonderful occasion, celebrating the dedication and achievements of exceptional science teachers who inspire young minds in primary education. This year, each award recipient has been endorsed by a prestigious organisation: the Institute of Physics, the Ogden Trust, the Royal Society of Chemistry, or the Royal Society of Biology, further highlighting the significance of their achievements.

Martin Pollard, Chief Executive Officer of PSTT, praised the winners: “Each of our PSTA winners has achieved fantastic things in primary science – inspiring children in their own schools as well as supporting science in their wider communities.”

The PSTAs celebrate teachers who go above and beyond in raising standards, driving innovation, and excelling under challenging conditions. Winners are selected not only for their impact in the classroom but also for their influence in promoting science education within their local communities.

Recognising Exceptional Contributions

Each awardee has received £1,000 in personal prize money, a selection of TTS science resources for their schools, and a year’s membership with the Association for Science Education (ASE). Additionally, the winners have now been inducted into the Primary Science Teacher College as College Fellows, providing them with ongoing support and funding opportunities to expand their remarkable work in primary science education.

PSTT’s vision is to see high-quality science teaching in every primary school across the UK. With research indicating that many children form opinions about science before the age of eleven, the Trust believes that engaging, high-quality primary science education is essential. A strong foundation in science not only prepares students for potential careers in related fields but also empowers them to make informed decisions about health, well-being, and global issues such as climate change.

Meet the Award Winners

Amanda Lambert from Holy Trinity CE Primary School, Richmond

Amanda supports children to become genuinely independent learners who are encouraged to make and justify their own decisions about how to conduct their enquiries. The children in her classroom are confident to make respectful challenges to each other about whether they were working scientifically.

Her headteacher described the enormous impact Amanda has had – from raising the profile of science across the school, to engaging parents, to significant and sustained outreach support across the borough.

Within the school, Amanda is working to ensure science is part of a more connected curriculum and always meaningful to the children.

Amanda’s PSTA has been endorsed by the Institute of Physics.

Hannah Wain from St Chad’s CE Primary School, Newcastle-under-Lyme

After taking over as science lead for the school just over a year ago, Hannah created an entire bespoke scheme of work for the school, and through implementing this has raised the profile of science across the school.

Hannah’s headteacher told us that the other staff have grown significantly in confidence and enthusiasm for science, and that they actively seek Hannah’s support with ideas and planning.

Hannah gives the children genuine purpose for their learning, setting them exciting challenges that result in the children actively wanting to communicate what they have learned.  The children’s learning has clearly benefited from Hannah’s frequent modelling of how to justify an idea, and from her encouragement to be comfortable to change their minds in the light of new evidence.

Hannah’s PSTA has also been endorsed by the Institute of Physics.

Debbie Powell from Westminster Primary Academy, Blackpool

Debbie’s teaching is dynamic and extremely responsive to her year 2 children’s challenging and changing needs. She draws on strategies from early years and uses a learning menu approach for science.

She is passionate about inclusion and ensuring that all children benefit from purposeful practical experiences, as well as small group discussions with her that focus on the key learning of the lesson.

Debbie’s deputy said how much she loves a challenge and that since taking on science, she has flown with it. She has set up the school’s Phiz Lab and enthused teachers right across the academy.

Debbie’s PSTA has been endorsed by the Royal Society of Biology.

Peneli Grier from The Ferncumbe CE Primary School, Hatton

Peneli shows huge commitment to making science lessons challenging and engaging.

Her classroom is a purposeful place where the children are highly motivated and focused.

The children use scientific vocabulary with fluency and understanding. At the start of a topic Peneli focuses on the key vocabulary and on identifying misconceptions and then gives the children increasing freedom to explore and develop their ideas. The children are confident to carry out enquiries independently and are comfortable with reviewing their own work critically and discussing this with peers.

Peneli’s headteacher told us that staff are extremely well supported and never afraid to seek advice about science knowledge or how best to teach it.

Peneli’s PSTA has been endorsed by the Ogden Trust.

Devan Davis from Fairview Primary School, Ballyclare

Devan is recognised as a 2024 Primary Science Teacher Award winner. Although she was unable to attend the ceremony in Bristol this year, Devan will be formally presented with her award at our next event. Her achievements will be highlighted in announcements following the presentation.

Diverse Endorsements Highlight the Awards’ Prestige

The endorsement of each winner by a distinguished organisation – the Institute of Physics, the Ogden Trust, the Royal Society of Chemistry, or the Royal Society of Biology – reflects the breadth and importance of the contributions made by these educators. Such endorsements underscore the role of exceptional science teaching in shaping the next generation of scientifically literate citizens and future leaders in science and technology.

Congratulations to all our awardees for their remarkable achievements!

For details about the Primary Science Teacher Awards, including how to nominate outstanding educators, visit: PSTT Primary Science Teacher Awards.