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UKSA Space to Learn

Physics Focused Masterclasses and Careers Conferences run by the National Space Academy, with funding from the UK Space Agency

Space to Learn was originally a national project which ran between March 2023 and March 2025. Thanks to an extension of funding from the UK Space Agency, the project will be continuing until March 2026.

The project features local experts leading high-quality, curriculum-based activities free of charge to schools across the UK. The programme removes barriers to opportunity and uses the exciting context of space to inspire and broaden the horizons of the next generation. Read on to learn more about this exciting programme and find out how your school can benefit...

Masterclasses

Our masterclasses are aimed at students aged 11 to 16 (half day sessions) and 16 to 18 (half day or full day sessions). They highlight the science, scope and possibilities within the UK space industry and are delivered by qualified, specially trained teachers equipped with a fantastic package of kit. Masterclasses are closely linked to the curriculum and feature exciting hands-on learning opportunities.

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Topics include:

  • Human Space Flight
  • Satellites and Gravity
  • Astronomy
  • Spectroscopy
  • Threats from Above
  • Asteroids
  • Artemis and Beyond
  • Life in Space
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Our teachers

We have a network of specially trained outstanding science teachers based across the UK who are ready to bring our stellar space education to your students. Space Advocates receive specialist training and a fantastic package of kit to bring space science to life.

Meet the team

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Careers Conferences

Our one-day careers conferences will take place across the UK and will include workshops, activities, and speakers from relevant industry settings. We’re partnering with a range of businesses to provide real-life examples of a variety of career paths. Our conferences are aimed at students aged 14 to 16, and 16 to 18. 

If you represent a business working in any STEM industry and would be interested in teaming up with us, then we’d love to hear from you. Our business collaborations are a fantastic way to connect with your local communities and help inspire the next generation to see that no career path is out of reach. Scroll down to the Business Enquiry dropdown menu where you will find everything you need to know about getting involved.

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Twilight Teacher CPD

The National Space Academy is pleased to offer free two-hour twilight CPD workshops for science teachers at KS3 and KS4 (and regional equivalents) across the UK, funded by the UK Space Agency.

These sessions feature a range of demonstrations and hands-on activities that you can easily replicate in the classroom. Each activity is linked to the curriculum through imaginative space-themed narratives that bring science to life and highlight the UK’s dynamic and growing space sector.

Accessible to non-physics specialists, the workshops aim to:

  • Strengthen your understanding of key physics concepts
  • Address common misconceptions
  • Provide low-cost, practical activities to embed in your teaching

Find out more

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Home Education Events

The National Space Academy’s Home Education events are touring the UK, thanks to funding from the UK Space Agency. Each event features a hands-on science masterclass for home-educated students, along with take-home resources for parents and guardians. The sessions are tailored for learners working at Key Stage 3 level (or equivalent), regardless of age.

Find out more

Important Information

Please note that funding is limited and is offered on a first come first served basis, with priority given to schools who meet two points of the criteria.

To enquire about one of our Space to Learn programmes, please complete the below form:

https://nationalspaceacademy.org/space-to-learn/enquiry-form/ 

Please note that all schools can enquire for a Masterclass, but priority will be given to the schools who meet two points of the following criteria:

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For schools in England:

When applying for funding, you must select two eligibility criteria. However, you may only choose one of the following two options:

  • Schools that have 40% or more of their children receiving pupil premium
  • Schools that have 10% or more of their children receiving pupil premium

You may then select one additional criteria from the list below:

  • Schools which are located in areas of deprivation
  • Schools which do not have a specialised Physics Teacher
  • Schools who achieved Requires Improvement or Inadequate in their most recent Ofsted report
  • Schools in a rural area (a priority depending on availability of our specialist teachers)
  • SEN schools (a priority depending upon availability of our specialist teachers)

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For schools in Scotland:

When applying for funding, you must select two eligibility criteria. However, you may only choose one of the following two options:

  • Schools that have 40% or more of their children receiving pupil equity funding
  • Schools that have 10% or more of their children receiving pupil equity funding

You may then select one additional criteria from the list below:

  • Schools which are located in areas of deprivation
  • Schools which do not have a specialised Physics Teacher
  • Schools who achieved Satisfactory, Weak or Unsatisfactory in their most recent Inspection report
  • Schools in a rural area (a priority depending on availability of our specialist teachers)
  • SEN schools (a priority depending upon availability of our specialist teachers)

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For schools in Wales:

When applying for funding, you must select two eligibility criteria. However, you may only choose one of the following two options:

  • Schools that have 40% of their children receiving pupil development grant
  • Schools that have 10% of their children receiving pupil development grant

You may then select one additional criteria from the list below:

  • Schools which are located in areas of deprivation
  • Schools which do not have a specialised Physics Teacher
  • Schools who are in a follow-up status (Review, Significant Improvement or Special Measures) after their most recent Estyn Inspection
  • Schools in a rural area (a priority depending on availability of our specialist teachers)
  • SEN schools (a priority depending upon availability of our specialist teachers)

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For schools in Northern Ireland:

When applying for funding, you must select two eligibility criteria. However, you may only choose one of the following two options

  • Schools that have 40% or more of their children receiving free school meals
  • Schools that have 10% or more of their children receiving free school meals

You may then select one additional criteria from the list below:

  • Schools which are located in areas of deprivation
  • Schools which do not have a specialised Physics Teacher
  • Schools which achieved Important area(s) for improvement, Requires significant improvement or Requires urgent improvement in their most recent ETI report
  • Schools in a rural area (a priority depending on availability of our specialist teachers)
  • SEN schools (a priority depending upon availability of our specialist teachers)

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If your school does not meet any of the above requirements, please know you can still apply for a Masterclass. Any queries please feel free to get in touch with the team.

We’re partnering with a wide range of businesses in STEM industries to support delivery of our camps and conferences. These partnerships are a great way to connect with your local community and inspire the next generation about the wide career pathways open to them. 

We’re currently looking for more businesses to support Space to Learn through provision of activities, workshops, stalls, speakers and venues. If you’d like to work with us on this project, please complete the online enquiry form here: Space to Learn Business Enquiry

If you have any queries and you’d like to speak to one of the team, please email us at spacetolearn@spacecentre.co.uk

A booking is deemed provisional until we receive a signed booking confirmation letter. Your booking is confirmed upon receipt of a signed confirmation letter.

The National Space Academy reserves the right to cancel or alter the schedule of a booking due to unforeseen circumstances. You will be advised in writing and if necessary. The National Space Academy does not accept liability for any additional costs incurred.

The group leader named on the booking form is expected to take responsibility for the behaviour and discipline of their group. All students must be supervised at all times by their regular teacher at their school. Any costs incurred as a result of malicious damage will be the responsibility of the school or the group leader.

The school must be in the UK, and each school may only apply once for the funded masterclasses and events.

Masterclasses

All bookings have minimum number requirements: 20 attendees are required for each Key Stage 3 & 4 or equivalent session (students aged 11-16) session. Numbers for Key Stage 5 or equivalent sessions (students aged 16-18) will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Please confirm any changes that are made to your numbers at least one week before your visit. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that unconfirmed additional numbers, or numbers added with less than a week’s notice, will be catered for in our programme of events, nor can we guarantee that programmes will be able to run with greatly reduced numbers.

The masterclass is for up to 30 students all day or 30 students in each half day masterclass (total of up to 60 students). The masterclass is pre-prescribed and is for students from one class (not mixed year groups)

The school will need to provide an appropriate classroom or laboratory space for the masterclass to take place. Teachers and/or students are required to complete an evaluation form following the masterclass.

All Space to Learn masterclasses are fully funded, however, please inform us at the earliest opportunity if you wish to cancel or postpone your booking. For groups that give less than 14 days’ notice there will be a charge of £50.00. Cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances must be detailed in writing and addressed to the National Space Academy Regional Project Officer. The fees will then be assessed on an individual basis.

Please fill in the booking form as accurately and as fully as possible. Please notify us of any changes prior to the masterclass taking place. Please be aware that if changes are made with no notification the Space Advocate may not be able to deliver all the activities included in the masterclass.

All in-school masterclasses require the schools to inform the Space Advocate of all fire and safety protocols, including muster points, on arrival.

Careers Conferences

Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that unconfirmed additional numbers, or numbers added with less than a week’s notice, will be catered for in our programme of events, nor can we guarantee that programmes will be able to run with greatly reduced numbers. The Careers Conference is for up to the 30 students for the full day. The Careers Conference is for students from one class (not mixed year groups). There is a minimum number of supervisors required from your school to accompany the students, and you will be informed of the criteria upon booking.

All Space to Learn Careers Conferences are fully funded, however, please inform us at the earliest opportunity if you wish to cancel or postpone your booking. For groups that give less than 14 days notice there will be a charge of £50.00. Cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances must be detailed in writing and addressed to the National Space Academy Regional Project Officer. The fees will then be assessed on an individual basis. The National Space Academy will also not reimburse any coach cancellation fees or any other fees incurred due to the Careers Conference booking being cancelled.

A travel bursary of up to £10 per attendee is available on proof of receipt. A bursary to provide assistance with the cost of staff cover of £100 per school is available. In exceptional circumstances this figure may change, and you will be informed of any changes to this figure

If the school is dissatisfied with any aspect of our programmes and believe that they are unable to resolve the matter informally in consultation either with the person who has caused the complaint or with a relevant member of staff, then the applicant should contact the National Space Academy Administrator on 0116 2582 147 or NSA@spacecentre.co.uk

We will at all times comply with the Data Protection Act 2018 and the UK General Data Protection Regulation.