Promoting practical science in schools: Tonbridge at the heart of a growing national conversation
At Tonbridge School, the commitment to practical science is being advanced through a growing programme of outreach, partnerships, and national engagement led by Lisa Alford, Science Coordinator. Many of these activities have been initiated and driven through Lisa’s technician-led work, helping to strengthen practical science provision, raise the visibility of technical staff, and create meaningful opportunities for students.
Through her involvement with the Royal Society Partnerships Grants scheme, Lisa supports funding decisions that enable schools and colleges across the UK to deliver investigative STEM projects with practising scientists and engineers. As a result, many young people gain access to practical opportunities that might otherwise not be possible, including the chance to work alongside professionals, carry out real investigations, and build the confidence and skills needed for future study and careers in science.
Closer to home, Tonbridge continues to strengthen its STEM partnerships and offer students authentic experiences of modern science. Current initiatives include a biotechnology outreach programme developed by Dr Alireza Alidoust at the Francis Crick Institute and Dr Azadeh Kia at Beacon Therapeutics, introducing students to gene therapy and modern biomedical science through interactive workshops. Looking ahead, the School is also partnering with The Science Learning Hub to host a Sustainability in Education conference, reinforcing Tonbridge’s commitment to practical, future-facing science learning.
A key part of this work is Lisa’s leadership in technician development and student engagement. In March, Tonbridge will host the Science Technician Convention under the banner “Tonbridge School Connecting Technicians”, an initiative established and led through Lisa’s role. The convention brings technicians together to build networks, exchange ideas, and take part in hands-on professional learning. Alongside this, Lisa has also developed and led the Science Snippets science communication competition, creating an additional platform for students to engage with science beyond the laboratory and grow in confidence when communicating scientific ideas.
Through national partnerships and technician-led outreach, Tonbridge is helping strengthen the wider ecosystem that supports practical science. Lisa’s work with the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Science Council, and the Association for Science Education, alongside evidence shared with the Royal Society, is helping raise the profile of technical staff and inform national discussion. At the same time, support for Project Earth gives students the chance to turn sustainability ideas into action. Together, this work reinforces Tonbridge’s commitment to hands-on science, strengthens technician leadership, and widens opportunities for young people, while contributing to broader thinking about STEM funding and the future of practical science.
