After undertaking a comprehensive review of our membership process, the ASE is delighted to be able to announce an exciting new approach to our membership subscription structure. From 1 September, we are phasing out separate membership categories for Primary, Secondary and Futures members. Instead, we are introducing a simplified and inclusive membership model that offers greater affordability and flexibility for all – and at a significantly reduced price.  

We have listened to feedback that membership fees are too high, too complicated, out of sync with other subject associations and a barrier to access for many – particularly early career teachers and technicians. As a result, the new membership rates will be as follows:

• ASE Membership: For all new members and existing members who renew after 1 September 2023, we are implementing a flat subscription rate of £45 per year. This means that, regardless of your educational setting or role, you will enjoy the same comprehensive membership benefits.
• Technician Membership: We are pleased to offer our growing community of Technicians a reduced rate membership fee of £25 per year from 1st September 2023. Technicians will receive the same membership benefits as all other ASE members.
• Reduced Rate for Retired Science Educators: We are also pleased to offer a reduced flat rate of £25 per year for our retired members, as we value their support, continued interest and contribution to the Association and its community. As with Technician members, retired members will receive the same membership benefits as all other ASE members.
• Free ASE Student Teacher Membership: We understand that a strong community of support and professional development opportunities in the early stages of a teaching career can be vital. That’s why we’re offering student teachers free membership for the first two years of their training. Furthermore, we’ll be offering a 50 per cent discount for their third year of membership, to support them during this crucial phase of their professional development.

While our membership fees will be lowered, all categories will continue to receive regular email updates with all the latest science education news and events, a termly copy of Education in Science, substantial discounts on books and events – including our Annual Conference - as well as access to the amazing community of supportive educators that is uniquely ASE.

We will also be introducing a new quarterly CPD news update from January 2024, a new podcast and significant new additions to our existing library of online teaching and CPD resources.

Whilst a choice of a relevant journal has previously been included in most of our memberships, we recognise that interests and preferences vary, so we are offering the option to tailor your membership by adding a journal of your choice (i.e. School Science Review, Primary Science and/or Science Teacher Education) for an additional fee (Journal of Emergent Science will continue to be free) – but don’t worry, the cost of your membership, as well as a journal add-on, will still be much less than you paid under our previous model!

We are confident that these changes will enhance the membership experience for both existing and new members and allow us to build an even stronger and more diverse ASE community. As we bring in this new membership model, we want to assure you that we remain committed to providing a strong community of support and professional development opportunities for science educators across the globe.

The new pricing structure will go live on Friday, 1 September and is just the first of several exciting plans we have in store for the organisation over the coming year. 

In anticipation of any questions both our members and the science education might have, we have prepared an FAQ to provide more detailed information about the upcoming changes which can be viewed at www.ase.org.uk/new-fee-faqs. Members can also email us at membership@ase.org.uk regarding any specific enquiries.