Secondary Science Network

With members from diverse communities, inner-city, rural and coastal, the network provides a national platform for science leaders and experts from ten leading multi-academy trusts:

Ormiston Academies Trust, Astrea Academy Trust, Meridian Trust, Co-op Academies Trust, The Four Stones MAT, Northern Education Trust, Windsor Academy Trust, Harbour Learning Trust, Archway Learning Trust and Outwood Grange Academies Trust.

SSN removes barriers to collaboration, creating a unique model of cross-trust partnership that supports science leadership development at scale.

Through webinars, academy visits and national events, SSN:

• Builds strategic leadership capacity

• Shares best practices and evidence-based tools

• Develops a connected national community of science leaders

• Supports succession planning across the sector

SSN currently supports over 125 secondary academies and more than 110,000 students, many in disadvantaged communities. In 2024–25:

• 100+ science leaders joined online CPD

• 35 academy visits were delivered across 5 MATs

• 40 leaders from 7 trusts attended the national conference

Working with key sector partners AQA and the Association for Science Education (ASE), the SSN aims to address the following key challenges.

• Isolated working: SSN provides the first national-level collaboration mechanism for science curriculum leaders.

• Funding reductions: In response to cuts to programmes like Science Learning Partnerships and Stimulating Physics Networks, SSN offers sustainable, self-led professional development.

• Teacher shortage: SSN strengthens trainee support, offers subject-specific CPD, and coordinates ITT and recruitment efforts across MATs to attract and retain science talent.

By growing membership and impact by 20% annually, we aim to expand the reach of this leadership-focused network, ensuring that more academies and communities benefit from this innovative collaboration. Together, we are shaping a future where science leaders are equipped, supported, and empowered to deliver excellence in science education.