Welcome to Researchers in Schools
Researchers in Schools is a unique teacher training and development programme exclusively for those who have completed a doctorate
Applications now open! Sign up to one of our free information webinars here or click below to find out more
Our next deadline for applications is 11:59PM on Monday 4th May 2020
About Researchers in Schools
The RIS Programme offers a tailored route into teaching exclusively for PhD graduates. It is specifically designed to utilise their academic expertise to the benefit of pupils, schools and universities.
The programme is designed to run over three years, with participants achieving Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in their first year and completing their Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) year in year two. Participants are placed in non-selective, secondary schools, supported to become excellent new teachers and research leaders, and have access to research associate status at a selective university.
The RIS Programme is designed to ensure that trainees are well equipped to deploy their knowledge and skills to the benefit of pupils, schools and universities in three important ways:
To increase and disseminate subject expertise
To promote education research
To champion university access
Explore our website
I'm a PhD researcher and I want to know more about the programme
You can read all about the programme, what it offers participants and how you can apply by heading to our information for applicants section
I'm a school leader interested in hosting a RIS participant
For more information on the benefits of bringing a RIS participants to your school, how the programme works and who to contact, visit our info for schools page
“Researchers in Schools is uniquely placed to address some of the most pressing issues in British schools."
Minister of State for School Standards
The Rt Hon Nick Gibb MP
“This afternoon I got an email saying that I have been accepted into the LSE programme! I am so excited and wanted to say a huge thank you as I know that I couldn’t have done it without your endless support and help.”
Year 13 pupil
"I wanted to join RIS as I grew up in under-privileged circumstances and the people that strongly influenced me were the enthusiastic and passionate teachers that made science come to life for me. This experience is allowing me to help pupils realise their full potential and I can bring cutting-edge research and opportunities into the classroom."
Dr Alice Len
2016 Physics Participant
“I saw this as an opportunity to get science teachers with excellent subject knowledge and experience of the ‘outside world’. It is really useful to have this vast knowledge of university standard learning that they bring to our students, and to our teachers. I would highly recommend any school taking on Researchers in Schools participants.”
Pauline Astle
Head of Science, The Streetly Academy
“[Researchers in Schools Participants] have all brought invaluable high level understanding of their subject disciplines that they have been sharing with pupils both in lessons, extra-curricular activities, and with colleagues. Schools are fortunate indeed to have such valuable sources of inspiration for pupils' higher levels of learning and aspirations for higher education.”
Brian Wakeman
Chiltern Training Group