New science reforms encouraging more pupils to study separate biology, chemistry and physics could help inspire a new generation of scientists by increasing opportunities for practical learning in schools, according to a Shropshire-based education supplier.
Meg Bilson, director at biological specimens supply company Darwin Biological in Shawbury, has said the move allows teachers to deliver lessons in the way they know is best for pupils and creates an exciting opportunity for schools to place even greater emphasis on hands-on science education and practical laboratory experience.
The government recently (March 2026) announced all secondary schools in England will be expected to offer separate GCSE sciences as part of wider curriculum reforms designed to expand access to STEM subjects.
And Meg believes interactive learning plays a vital role in helping students engage with science from an early age.
She said: “Schools are increasingly recognising the value of practical science, it is often the moment when a subject truly comes to life for students.
“As more students study separate sciences there’s an opportunity to carry out more experiments, and hands-on learning helps spark curiosity and confidence.
“The expansion of separate sciences is a really positive opportunity to encourage even more engagement with STEM subjects and inspire future scientists, researchers and healthcare professionals.
“Schools are increasingly recognising the value of interactive learning experiences, and practical biology in particular can help students connect classroom theory with the real world around them.”
Meg added that there are many constraints on schools and teachers in terms of budgets, access to equipment and facilities, and staffing levels for technicians, but said at Darwin Biological they have seen a change in the way biology is taught in the UK schools they supply to.
She said there is growing demand from schools for accessible and engaging classroom resources that support practical learning across all age groups.
“I have seen a lot of change in demand over the years and we are really looking to work with schools now to update and expand their annual experiments,” Meg added.
“Modern educational needs are very different to years gone by and it is a great opportunity to reinvigorate biology education, there is a growing focus on encouraging curiosity, problem-solving and active participation in lessons, and practical experiments remain one of the best ways to achieve that.
“We’re proud to support schools and teachers as they continue creating engaging science experiences for students across the UK.”
Darwin Biological was founded in 2019 in a spare room at Meg’s home and has since grown to have five employees, is about to move to new premises in Shawbury and works closely with leading industry experts such as the Royal Entomological Society, the UK Health Security Agency and world-leading Culture Collection of Algae & Protozoa in Scotland.
As part of Darwin Biological’s commitment to sustainability and encouraging the natural world, all products are ethically sourced and at the new premises they will create a wildlife haven to provoke curiosity and learning for children walking past the site.Each year the company also creates and sends out a booklet of expert-led practical experiments to 4,500 schools.
For more information about Darwin Biological visit their website www.darwinbiological.co.uk or contact them via the email address hello@darwinbiological.co.uk.
