A charity that has put billions of pounds into British universities is poised to pump millions into improving science teaching in schools.
The Wellcome Trust says it is “keen” to support the proposed National Centre for Excellence in Science Teaching.
The Government is in discussions with the trust, which specialises in biomedical research. If ministers approve the proposal, the new centre will receive millions.
The Wellcome Trust is one of the world’s richest charities with assets of some pound;12 billion. It mainly funds university research and has put just pound;2 million into schools in the past four years. Involvement in the new centre could, however, significantly boost that sum.
Peter Finegold, senior project manager at the trust’s education department, said: “We eagerly await the outcome of the Government’s consultation on (plans for) the centre, which is to be published in June. We are very keen to get involved in this.”
He suggested that the trust could back the building of a headquarters for the new centre and that it was prepared to commit itself to “significant” involvement in the centre’s work.
A government spokesperson said: “The NCEIST consultation closes on May 8. No proposals or decisions will be made or taken until ministers have had the opportunity to consider the responses.”
Last year the Government promised to establish a national science teaching centre “with charitable and corporate involvement”.
The Wellcome Trust has put more than pound;500m into university infrastructure and gives pound;600m a year to biomedical research.
A recent report by Sir Gareth Roberts for the Treasury recommended more professional development for maths and science teachers.
Sir Gareth also suggested paying science teachers more and called for huge investment in school laboratories and staff training.
