Former Headmaster Tommy Cookson MBE Honoured

“Physics is in the grip of a long-term downward drift” (2006 report from the Centre for Education and Employment Research); “No girls studying physics in half of state schools.” (October 2012 Education and Employers)

Such headlines have been seen for at least the last two decades, and they are not historical: a senior member of the Institute of Physics recently told the TES that the shortage of physics teachers needed to be urgently addressed. Data from the DfE showed that only 22% of the required number of specialist physics teachers were recruited last year. The reasons for this chronic shortage have been much rehearsed. The subject is challenging and physicists need to be good at Mathematics. It remains the case that career paths are not always perceived, perhaps especially by girls. In the early years of the new millennium, stretched resources led to a decision to promote general science courses rather than the study of single subjects. Some potential physics teachers took their knowledge, intellect and earning-power elsewhere.

During his career, Tommy Cookson was the headmaster of three major schools. In retirement he has not let the grass grow under his feet. Helping to found Physics Partners, and giving his experience and expertise, has been crucial to the success of the initiative. Physics Partners is an educational charity providing hands-on training and support for non-specialist and newly qualified physics teachers in state secondary schools. Hundreds of teachers and schools have benefitted, including the Harris Academy group of schools in London and schools in Liverpool, Manchester and Yorkshire. 2,500 hours of tuition are given per year and Physics Partners has even greater ambition, subject to funding.