People celebrating awards

Primary Science Teacher Awards

Celebrating and rewarding outstanding teachers of primary science

Nominations are now open

Help us celebrate the very best teaching practice in the UK

Our Primary Science Teacher Awards (PSTAs) celebrate the very best science teaching in primary schools across the UK.

Awards are made to teachers who demonstrate excellent classroom practice in science and who raise standards in primary science teaching and learning in their own schools and beyond. Awardees become part of the PSTT College of Fellows and are further supported to develop and disseminate best practice in primary science. Our revised nomination process reflects our definition of excellence in primary science, a cornerstone of PSTT’s new strategy. Please read the definition of excellence and our guidance document before making a nomination.

The collective strength of the PSTT College is dependent on having a diverse mix of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives; we welcome nominations from all teachers, and in particular those from under-represented groups.

Nominations for 2024/25 close on 10 January 2025.

Submit your nomination
People receiving awards

Why nominate?

Benefits of winning a Primary Science Teacher Award

PSTAs recognise the exceptional efforts of teachers who make a difference to children’s learning and enjoyment of science and the support they provide to colleagues.

Winners receive:

  • a personal prize of £500
  • an invitation to join the PSTT College as a Fellow
  • PSTT resources to support teaching and learning
  • a selection of TTS resources for their school
  • a year’s free membership of the Association for Science Education
Find out more about the PSTT College
Teacher helping children with sand activity

Do you know an outstanding science teacher?

Nomination criteria

The awards are open to all current practicing primary teachers (full or part-time, in the UK, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man). Nominees should:

  • Demonstrate secure science subject knowledge and pedagogy, designing lessons that challenge and engage students.
  • Build on children’s prior knowledge, promoting diversity, inclusion, and ensuring all children feel science is for them.
  • Adapt lessons based on children’s responses, using creative, interactive approaches that foster curiosity and a sense of wonder.
  • Encourage exploration, questioning, and investigation in dynamic learning environments.
Submit your nomination
a teacher and primary pupils observing living things in their outside garden

Celebrating excellence in primary science teaching

Supported by leading science education organisations

The PSTAs are supported by the Royal Society, the Association for Science Education and TTS Group. We are deeply grateful for these prestigious partnerships, which underscore the importance of celebrating exceptional primary science teaching. Their continued involvement highlights the impact and value of recognising teachers who inspire curiosity and promote exemplary practice in the classroom.

 

 

Royal Society logo
ASE logo
TTS group logo

Primary Science Teachers of the Year have been chosen from across the UK by PSTT since 2003

All winners are noted alongside the school in which they were teaching at the time they were judged for their award.

Devan Davis, Fairview Primary School, Ballyclare

Learned Societies’ endorsed awards

Institute of Physics:

Amanda Lambert, Holy Trinity CE Primary School, Richmond upon Thames

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

Royal Society of Biology:

Debbie Powell, Westminster Primary Academy, Blackpool

Ogden Trust:

Peneli Grier, The Ferncumbe CE Primary School, Hatton Park

Roseanna Burns, Histon and Impington Brook Primary School, Histon

Rebecca Price, The Willows Primary School, Stoke-on-Trent

Learned Societies’ endorsed awards

The Ogden Trust:

Amy Banks, Greenfields Community Primary School, Wideopen

STEM Learning:

Anne McDaid, St. Patrick’s Primary School, Glenariff

The Institute of Physics:

Jackie Elson, Mersea Island School, West Mersea

The Royal Society of Chemistry:

Joshua Piggott, St Nicholas CE First School, Wolverhampton

The Royal Society of Biology

Rachel Cuthbert, Summer Lane Primary School, Barnsley

Cat Boaz, Charlton Primary School, Wantage
Dawn McCann, Hillside Primary School, Stoke-on-Trent
Elaine Arbuckle, Mearns Primary School, Newton Mearns
Ellie Hunter, Ashurst Primary School, St Helens
Stuart Naismith, Gartcosh Primary School, North Lanarkshire

Learned Societies’ endorsed awards

The Royal Society of Biology:

Chloe Lister, Newington Green Primary School, London

The Institute of Physics:

Jodie Lea, Fairford CE Primary School, Fairford

STEM Learning:

Melanie Boyeson, Newport Primary School, Brough

The Royal Society of Chemistry:

Rebecca Lamb, Stalham Infant and Junior Schools, Norfolk

Lowri Harris, Ysgol Porth y Felin, Ffordd Llanrwst
Marjorie Kellas, St Mary’s Primary School, Bannockburn
Kate Penarski, St Bede CE Academy, Bolton
Jacklyn Purdon, Ravenswood Primary School, Cumbernauld
Gemma Robson, Wallsend Jubilee Primary School, Tyne and Wear
Carla Wallington, St Christopher’s School, Hampstead, London

Learned Societies’ endorsed awards

STEM Learning:
Jane Banham, Friskney All Saints Primary School, Skegness

The Royal Society of Biology:
Rebecca Riley, Horbury CE Academy, Wakefield

Bristol ChemLabS:
Kirsten Cunnigham, Horfield CE Primary School, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol

The Royal Society of Chemistry:
David Rigmand, Brediland Primary School, Paisley

Keith Bishop Award

Michele McMahon, St Roch’s Primary and Deaf School, Glasgow

The Keith Bishop Award was named in honour of Keith Bishop, who was a Project Consultant for the Trust from its inception and a highly valued friend of the Trust, who sadly died in 2010 of cancer.

Endorsement for previous award winners

The Ogden Trust:
Amanda Poole, Radford Primary Academy, Coventry and Resource Development Lead for The Ogden Trust (PSTA winner 2013)

The Royal Society of Biology:
Claire Seeley, Whitton Primary School, Ipswich, Suffolk (PSTA winner 2013)

The Wellcome Trust:
Caroline Skerry, St Joseph’s School, Launceston (PSTA winner 2012)

The Royal Society of Chemistry:
Alison Trew, PSTT’s Regional Mentor & Project Lead (PSTA winner 2014)

Nicola Connor, Peel Primary School, Livingston
Molly Fletcher, Hilderthorpe Primary School, Bridlington
Carl Luke, Hotspur Primary School, Newcastle
Emily White, St Gregory’s RC Primary School, Stoke

Learned Societies’ endorsed awards

The Ogden Trust:
Nathan Williams, St Peter-in-Thanet CE Junior School, Broadstairs

STEM Learning:
Haf Hayes, Ysgol Pencae, Cardiff

The Royal Society of Biology:
Emma Crisell, Richard Taylor CE Primary School, Harrogate

Bristol ChemLabS:
Liz Southwell, Raysfield Schools Federation, Chipping Sodbury

The Royal Society of Chemistry:
Alex Farrer, Wimbledon High School, London

Keith Bishop Award

Ian Griffiths, Timberley Academy, Birmingham

The Keith Bishop Award was named in honour of Keith Bishop, who was a Project Consultant for the Trust from its inception and a highly valued friend of the Trust, who sadly died in 2010 of cancer.

Note: Endorsement of Awards took place at the Awards Celebration, delayed due to the pandemic, which was held in October 2021.

Doug Ashton, King’s Norton Primary School, Birmingham
Angharad Pass, Tranmere Park Primary School, Leeds
Vanessa Seehra, Highlands Primary School, London

Learned Societies’ endorsed awards

The Ogden Trust:
Rebecca Ellis, St Margaret’s CE Junior School, Leamington Spa
Laura Jarram, Inglehurst Primary School, Leicester

The Institute of Physics:
Anita Angier, Shapinsay Community School, Orkney

SHINE Trust:
Kelly Taylor, Kingswood Primary School, London

The Royal Society of Biology:
Nicola Bolton, Heswall Primary School, Wirral

Bristol ChemLabS:
Anna Killough, St John’s Primary School and Carnlough Community Nursery,
Northern Ireland

The Wellcome Trust:
Jenny Lister, Betty Layward Primary School, London

The Comino Foundation:
Christopher Lowe, Lowerplace Primary School, Rochdale

The Royal Society of Chemistry:
Katherine Pemberton, Modbury Primary School, Devon

Keith Bishop Award

Julie Neil, Calthorpe Academy, Birmingham

The Keith Bishop Award was named in honour of Keith Bishop, who was a Project Consultant for the Trust from its inception and a highly valued friend of the Trust, who sadly died in 2010 of cancer.

 

Judy Beer, Christ the King Catholic Primary School, Leicester
Carla Jenkinson, Victoria Road Primary School, Plymouth, Devon
Rachel Wolford, Hythehill Primary School, Lossiemouth, Scotland

Learned Societies’ endorsed awards

The Ogden Trust:
Claire Loizos, Broadlea Primary School, Sandown, Isle of Wight

The Institute of Physics:
Fran Long, Woodstock Primary School, Woodstock, Oxfordshire

SHINE Trust:
Hannah Osueke, King Edward Primary School, North Shields, Tyneside

The Royal Society of Biology:
Elaine Stockdale, Tongwynlais Primary School, Cardiff, Wales

Bristol ChemLabS:
Asima Qureshi, Meadowbrook Primary School, Bradley Stoke, Bristol

Keith Bishop Award

Sharon Pascoe, Fochriw Primary School, Bargoed, Wales

The Keith Bishop Award was named in honour of Keith Bishop, who was a Project Consultant for the Trust from its inception and a highly valued friend of the Trust, who sadly died in 2010 of cancer.

Endorsement for previous award winners

The Royal Society of Chemistry:
Craig Early, Wygate Park Academy, Spalding, Lincolnshire (PSTA winner 2014)

The Royal Microscopical Society:
Peter Sainsbury, Winterbourne Earls Primary School, Salisbury and Cluster Advisor for the PSTT (PSTA winner 2010)

The Comino Foundation:
Louise Bousfield, Bradshaw Hall Primary School, Greater Manchester (PSTA winner 2014)

The Wellcome Trust:
Kate Redhead, PSTT’s Regional Mentor (PSTA winner 2012)

The Royal Society of Biology:
Mary Haughey, St John’s Primary School and Carnlough Community Nursery, Ballymena Northern Ireland (PSTA winner 2010)

Learning Science:
Sue Martin, Programme Director for the Primary Science Teaching Trust (PSTA winner 2011)

Lucy Blackmore, Ryders Green Primary School, West Bromwich
Julia Burger, Heygreen Primary School, Liverpool
Kathryn Horan, Greenhill Primary School, Leeds
Sarah Parkinson, Adel Primary School, Leeds

Learned Societies’ endorsed awards

The Ogden Trust:
Jane Catto, Briar Hill Infant School, Leamington Spa

The Comino Foundation:
Liane Clegg, St Anne’s RC Primary School, Manchester

The Royal Society of Chemistry:
Emma Muntoni, Our Lady of the Assumption RC Primary School, Coventry

The Royal Society of Biology:
Kelly Thomas, Penllergaer Primary School, Swansea

Bristol ChemLabS:
Amy Woolgar, Manor Primary School, Uckfield

Keith Bishop Award

Christine Lawson, Laurel Avenue Community Primary School, Durham

The Keith Bishop Award was named in honour of Keith Bishop, who was a Project Consultant for the Trust from its inception and a highly valued friend of the Trust, who sadly died in 2010 of cancer.

Endorsement for previous award winners

The Wellcome Trust:
Tracy Tyrrell, Irchester Community Primary School, Wellingborough (PSTA winner 2014)

SHINE Trust:
Jo Moore, PSTT’s Area Mentor (PSTA winner 2013)

The Institute of Physics:
Ruth Shallcross, PSTT’s CPD and Resources Lead (PSTA winner 2013)

Learned Societies’ endorsed awards

Royal Society of Biology:
Judith Carnelly, Shirley Manor Primary Academy, Bradford
Michele Grimshaw, PSTT Area Mentor (PSTA winner 2006)
The Geological Society: John Sandford, Andrews Memorial Primary School, Northern Ireland (PSTA winner 2013)
Institute of Physics:
Rufus Cooper, The Vineyard School, Richmond
Jules Pottle, Cumnor CE Primary School, Oxford
Royal Meteorological Society: Jocelyn Brown, Ballycraigy Primary School, Antrim
SHINE Trust:
Liz Branniff, St Teresa’s Primary School, Belfast
Lisa Sweeney, St Paul’s (Whiteinch) Primary RC School, Glasgow
The Ogden Trust:
Raj Dharma, Daubeney Primary School, Hackney
Helen Ellis, Christchurch Junior School, Dorset
Bristol ChemLabS:
William Golding, Lumley Junior School, Durham
Rebekah May, Birch C of E VA Primary School, Colchester

Keith Bishop Award

Jess Bolton, Merefield Special School, Southport

The Keith Bishop Award was named in honour of Keith Bishop, who was a Project Consultant for the Trust from its inception and a highly valued friend of the Trust, who sadly died in 2010 of cancer.

Tracey Barton, Dovecote Primary School in Clifton, Nottingham
Celina Bennett, Earlsdon Primary School, Coventry
Julia Bourne, New York Primary School, North Shields
Nicky Collins, Yealmpton Primary School, Plymouth
Colette Handley, St. John Fisher RC Primary School, Manchester
Tom Jones, West Jesmond Primary School, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Catriona Loughrey, Glenann Primary School, Ballymena
Margaret McAuley, St Mary’s Primary School and Nursery Unit, Derry
Maria McGrory, Hudson Road Primary School, Sunderland
Ashling McMenamin, Rosemount Primary and Nursery School, Derry
Cath Milne, Cromarty Primary School, Ross-shire
Nicola Roberts, St Mark’s Primary School, Barrhead
Pauline Rodger, Holt VC Primary School, Trowbridge
Bryony Turford, Craven Primary Academy, Hull

Learned Societies’ endorsed awards

Royal Society of Biology: Beth Budden, John Ball Primary School, Lewisham
Royal Society of Chemistry: Ashleigh Longhurst Culcrow Primary School, Coleraine
The Geological Society: Sue Fielding Pinfold Primary School, Scarisbrick
Institute of Physics: Jo Fenton Orchard Junior School, Dibden Purlieu
Royal Meteorological Society: Jodie Blincow St Mun’s Primary School, Dunoon
The Comino Foundation:
Gail Eagar Barton Primary School, Isle of Wight
Kathy Schofield, PSTT College Director
National Science Learning Network: Craig Early, Tower Road Academy, Boston
SHINE Trust: Joanne Jarvie Thornton Primary School, Fife
The Ogden Trust: Janine Carpenter, Ellison Primary School, Newcastle-under-Lyme

Keith Bishop Award

Eleanor Atkinson, Westmorland School, Chorley

The Keith Bishop Award was named in honour of Keith Bishop, who was a Project Consultant for the Trust from its inception and a highly valued friend of the Trust, who sadly died in 2010 of cancer.

Arlene Bannerman, Knowepark Primary School Selkirk
Jon Beattie, Glencraig Integrated Primary School, Holywood, County Down
Louise Bousfield, Bradshaw Hall Primary School, Cheadle
Ruth Smith, East Cowton CE Primary School, Northallerton
Aine Toal, St Patrick’s Primary School, Mullanaskea
Alison Trew, St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Axminster
Tracy Tyrrell, Irchester Primary School, Northamptonshire

Learned Societies’ endorsed awards

Society of Biology:
James Davis, Ripple Primary School, Essex
Lorna Stevenson, Macosquin Primary, Coleraine, Northern Ireland
Royal Society of Chemistry: Tom Holloway, Westfield Primary School, Woking, Surrey
The Geological Society: Deirdre Doherty, Mill Strand Integrated Primary, Co Antrim
Institute of Physics: Paul Tyler, Mearns Primary School, Glasgow
Royal Meteorological Society: Toby Tyler, Great Moor Infant Community School, Stockport
The Comino Foundation:
Hannah Champion, Monteney Primary School, Sheffield
Katrina Halford, St Andrew’s CE Primary, Sherborne, Dorset

Keith Bishop Award

Greg Mace, Athelney Primary School, Catford, London

Primary Science Teacher Awards

Stacey Barrett, Latymer All Saints CE Primary School, Edmonton, London
Kerry Capoverde, Baines Endowed CE Primary and Children’s Centre, Blackpool
Emma Charnock, Great Milton Primary School, Oxford
Kirstin Greygoose, Bidford-on-Avon CE Primary, Warwick
Robin James, Exeter Road Community Primary School, Exmouth, Devon
Mark Lynn, The Stoke Poges School, Stoke Poges, Bucks
Neil McAllister, Fairview Primary, Ballyclare, Co Antrim
Lorna McLaughlin, Sheredes Primary School, Hoddesdon, Herts
Jo Moore, Vittoria Primary, Islington, London
June Murphy, Ballymoney Model Controlled Integrated Primary School
Louise Parks, Lumley Infant and Nursery, Chester-le-Street, Durham
Anna Peart, Denbigh Community Primary, Wallsend, Tyne & Wear
Amanda Poole, Shrubland Street Community Primary, Leamington Spa
Victoria Raynor, Stephenson Memorial Primary, Wallsend, Tyneside
Katie Ridley, St Gregory’s Catholic Primary School, Liverpool
John Sandford, Andrews Memorial Primary, Comber, Co Down
Iffat Sardharwalla, Perryfields Junior School, Chelmsford, Essex
Claire Seeley, Whitton Primary School, Ipswich, Suffolk
Ruth Shallcross, Lavender Primary School, Enfield
Heather White, The Thompson Primary, Ballyclare, Co Antrim
Allison Walker, Uplands Junior School, Wolverhampton

Learned Societies’ endorsed awards

Society of Biology:
Alison Eley, Hampton Hill Junior, Middx.
Kulvinder Johal, Northbury Junior School, Barking, Essex
Royal Society of Chemistry: Wendy Charlton Burscough Village Primary School, Lancs
The Geological Society: Clarysly Deller, St Peter’s (CE(A) Primary School, Caverswall, Staffs
Institute of Physics:
Sarah Eames, Sandfield Close Primary, Leicester
Helen Grainger, Esh Winning Primary, Durham
Royal Meteorological Society:
Jeannette Morgan, Independent Consultant
Victoria Peake, St John’s CE(A) Primary, Stoke-on-Trent

Keith Bishop Award

Adele Barber, Riverbank School, Aberdeen
Faye James, Evergreen Primary Special School, Bishop Auckland, Durham

Primary Science Teacher Awards

Janet Barnett, Newker Primary School, Chester-le-Street, Durham
Julie Clarke, Etruscan Primary School, Stoke-on-Trent
Tina Dhillon, Frederick Bird Primary School, Coventry
Lindsay Gibson, Ballysally Primary School, Coleraine, N Ireland
Debbie Jones, Four Oaks Primary School, Sutton Coldfield, W Midlands
Sue Marks, St Joseph’s School, Launceston, Cornwall
Nicola Mayo, Acre Rigg Academy, Peterlee, Durham
Linda McKee, Antrim Primaryr School, Co Antrim, N Ireland
Jenni Monach, Grenoside Community Primary School, Sheffield
Julie Nash, Limpsfield CE Infant School, Oxted, Surrey
Kate Redhead, Clifton Primary School, Birmingham
Terry Rodgers, St Colmcille’s Primary School, Ballymena, N Ireland
Carol Sampey, Shaw Primary School, Melksham, Wilts
Caroline Skerry, St Mary’s RC Primary School, Bodmin, Cornwall

Cathy Daniels, Park Hill Junior School, Croydon
Lesley Hunter, Creavery Primary School, Co Antrim
Sue Martin, Talbot House School, Bournemouth
Jeannette Morgan, Previously Muswell Hill Primary School, London
Katja Rudden, Dacre Braithwaite CE Primary School Harrogate, N Yorks
Simon Smith, Kells Lane Primary School, Gateshead
Nina Spilsbury, Malcolm Sargent School, Stamford

Keith Bishop Award

Gareth Metcalfe, Bradshaw Hall Primary School, Stockport

Kate Ardron, Cullercoates Primary School, Tyne & Wear
Linda Curwen, St Fagan’s CIW Primary School, Cardiff
Samantha Harvey, Colmore Junior School, Birmingham
Mary Haughey, St John’s Primary School, Co Antrim, N Ireland
Helen Hewitson*, Shadsworth Junior School, Blackburn
Sarah Monahan, The Holt Primary School, Lincoln
Peter Sainsbury, Winterbourne Earls CofE Primary School, Salisbury

Gwen Calder, Buckingham Primary School, Buckingham
Sarah Doneghan, Castleside Primary School, Durham
Linda James, Whitehouse Primary School, Stockton-on-Tees
Laura MacFarlane, Milgnavie Primary School, Glasgow
Jim McDaid*, Hazelwood Integrated Primary School, Co Antrim, N Ireland
Michelle Proctor, Monteney Primary School, Sheffield

Richard Ellison
Eva Hodgson, Priory Primary School, Tyne & Wear
Carla Hughes-Harvey, St Lawrence CofE Primary School, Telford
Sam Kenny*, Bethlem and Maudsley Hospital School, Bromley, Kent
Sinead McGleenan, St Malachy’s Primary School, Co Amagh, N Ireland
Emma McGuigan, Killin Primary School, Stirling

Dan Hawkins*, Alexandra Primary School, London
Rachel Ingles, The Discovery School, Kent
Lisa Meeks, Riverside School, Plymouth
Deborah Myers, University of Durham
Robbie Taylor, Simpson’s Primary School, West Lothian
Lisa Wood, Westgate Primary School, Morecombe, Lancs

Carol Brunner, Normandsland and Hampworth School, Devon
Hayley Collins, Abbey Park First and Nursery School, Worcs
Michele Grimshaw, Marsden Community Primary School, Lancs
Ciaran Kinney*, St John’s Primary School, Co Antrim, N Ireland
Sue Southam, Guilsfield Community Primary School, Powys
Mary Watkins, Welsh Water

Cara Cahill, University of Greenwich
Louise Culver, Loose Junior School, Kent
David May, Canon Peter Hall CofE Primary School, Lincs
Sheila McDougall, Doonfoot Primary School, Ayr
Rosemary Woodall, St Andrew’s CofE Primary School, Herts

Nancy Bilderbeck
Paula Dunn, Snapewood Primary, Notts
Karen Hodgkinson, Packmoor Community Primary School, Stoke-on-Trent
Glynne Rowlands, Woolgrove School, Herts
Kathy Schofield, Manchester Metropolitan University
Armine Williams, Stechford Primary School, Birmingham

Pauline Abrahams, Brentfield Primary School, London
Caroline Galpin, St Clements and St John’s Infant School, Poole, Dorset
Loretta Kelly*, now retired
Emma Kirk, Wallace Fields Junior School, Surrey
Philippa Minto, New Inn Primary School, Pontypool, Gwent
Penny Smith, White Notley CofE Primary School, Essex

Kay Coverdale, Wheatlands Primary School
Vicky Reeves (now Evans), Grafton Infants School
Shehnaz Vorajee, Primary Science Teacher Adviser, Lancashire County Council