A network of 10 centres to improve science teaching in schools was announced by Charles Clarke yesterday.

The centres will be established through a £51 million initiative by the government and the Wellcome Trust.

They will provide training for teachers and laboratory technicians in order to move science lessons away from the traditional "test-tube and text book" approach.

Forum Response: Association of Teachers and Lecturers

Gwen Evans, ATL's deputy general secretary, said: "Congratulations to the Wellcome Trust who have always been so generous and supportive of school science initiatives."Thank goodness, too, for a scheme which goes beyond the next election. Ten years is well worth planning for and using wisely. What is less encouraging is that the level of funding is less than stratospheric.

"Wellcome has done its part, now it's the government's turn to make sure that there really is enough money to make a difference and strengthen science teaching across the board."

Forum Response: Professional Association of Teachers

A spokesman for the Professional Association of Teachers told ePolitix.com: "PAT welcomes this much-needed investment in science teaching. Investing in science is investing in the future of our country, its population and its economy.

"However, science graduates can earn much higher salaries and enjoy better working conditions outside education, so their pay and conditions must be addressed. There are particularly acute recruitment problems for schools trying to appoint specialist science teachers.

"We are aware that many schools are delivering the science curriculum with staff who do not have the appropriate specialist knowledge . We hope that this initiative will help to recruit and retain more science teachers.

"Science technicians too are poorly rewarded for their key role in school science and so their pay levels must be addressed as well. We are therefore pleased that training will be provided for both teachers and laboratory technicians as part of this initiative.

"We are pressing the government to take action on these issues."

Forum Response: NESTA

Melanie Renowden, head of Planet Science [affiliated to NESTA], told ePolitix.com: "It is great that the Department of Education and Skills and the Wellcome Trust are working together on this important project.

"The fact that the plans for the Network include the provision of training for science technicians is particularly welcome as we know that they are central to the quality of science education in schools. We will be watching developments with interest over the coming months."