About the Programme

Are you looking to supercharge the knowledge, resources, and skills you need to lead excellent science education in your school?

The PSQM professional development programme will enable you to transform the lives and future trajectory of all children in your school by developing their scientific literacy, equipping them with a deeper understanding of science and its importance in everyday life.

Which quality mark is for you?
There are three different Primary Science Quality Marks with unique starting points, which ensures that the accreditation is relevant and achievable for all schools.
Over 60% of schools begin with PSQM, but for those schools where effective leadership is already embedded or where there is impact beyond the school, the other quality marks provide the right development goals.
What is the PSQM process?
- Schools follow a rigorous process of self-evaluation, development and validation to achieve a Primary Science Quality Mark
- An expert hub leader supports subject leaders with ongoing professional development and mentoring
- Subject leaders participate in collaborative learning through structured hub sessions
- Subject leaders create and implement an action plan to develop all aspects of science leadership, teaching and learning, drawing on a bespoke PSQM Virtual Learning Environment and best practice from the primary science sector
- Subject leaders complete a reflective submission with key pieces of evidence to demonstrate the impact of science leadership across the school
What does the PSQM cost?
The cost of taking part in PSQM is currently £950 with a reduced rate for schools with fewer than 100 pupils.. The cost of the programme is subsidised for all schools by the University of Hertfordshire. Please express your interest for more details.
What does the cost include?
- One year (six sessions) of professional development supporting the core PSQM programme for the science subject leader,plus the option of including another member of staff
- One year of online mentoring and support from a dedicated PSQM hub leader who is an expert in primary science
- Two years' access to PSQM resources via the PSQM Virtual Learning Environment, including in-school activities and pre-recorded sessions covering all aspects of science subject leadership, teaching and learning
- The opportunity to network with other science subject leaders
- A quality framework for self-evaluation and development
- An accreditation valid for three years from the date it is awarded and a certificate for the school.
PSQM offers many additional benefits thanks to its supportive partners and stakeholders, including:
- Access to additional fully-funded primary science professional development , including live webinars and virtual subject-specific workshops, delivered by PSQM and funded by the Royal Society of Chemistry. These are suitable for all teachers and teaching assistants in the school.
Frequently asked questions
When does the programme start?
You can join the programme in one of two annual rounds, with a September or March start. Both rounds cover the same content, with an initial session focussed on strategy and action planning.
How many hub sessions must the subject leader attend?
The subject leader should attend the six hub sessions spread throughout the year and should be allotted sufficient time to complete the tasks associated with the programme.
How much does the programme cost?
The core cost for UK schools is currently £950.  International and small schools should contact the central PSQM team for costings.
Can I defer completion of the programme?
We do not recommend deferrals as this could potentially dilute the excellent work the subject leader has already put in and the impact of the learning.  If your school feels the need to defer, please discuss this with the central PSQM team. There is an additional cost associated with deferrals.
Will I work with other schools?
Yes.  As part of the programme, you will be within a ‘hub’ of schools which will provide you with opportunities to engage in professional dialogue with colleagues and secure expert advice and guidance from your hub leader.
Will I have access to course materials at the end of the one-year programme?
Yes.  The online resources will be available to you for an additional twelve months as part of the cost of the programme.
I teach in a Scottish school.  Is PSQM for me?
PSQM will support Scottish schools with the Curriculum for Excellence as well as schools following the English National Curriculum.
Can I get a bursary to support my school’s participation?
Some of our partners offer bursaries for schools who meet certain criteria.  Please request information from a hub leader, or from the central PSQM team when registering your interest.
How does the programme support overall school development?
The programme gives science subject leaders the knowledge, skills, and expert support they need to lead primary science confidently and effectively, to improve the overall quality of science education across the school.  Additionally, the development of leadership skills and tools supports wider leadership development across the school, and many leaders have used the programme as a catalyst for school improvement priorities for the wider curriculum. While the programme provides specific professional development for science subject leadership, there is long-term impact on teacher professional development across the whole school as a result of actions carried out by the subject leader throughout the year.
I’ve completed the programme as a subject leader, how can I become more involved with PSQM?
PSQM is keen to work with experienced science leads in school.  If you would like to consider training to become a hub leader, please express your interest to the central PSQM team through the ‘hub leaders’ page.

Express your interest