welcome to esta
ESTA is the professional home for everyone who teaches Earth Science in the UK. We support teachers at every level - whether you teach Geology as a standalone subject or weave Earth Science through science, geography or other courses. Through our annual conference, summer school, publications and teaching resources, we exist to make Earth Science education better for teachers and students alike.
WHAT ESTA DOES
As a charity and professional body we support and act on behalf of Earth Science educators nationally.
The Earth Science Teachers' Association is the UK's professional association for teachers of the earth sciences and those involved what earth science education, including teachers and educators in industry and higher education as well as the school sector. We support those in training as well as practicing educators and teacher trainers.
ESTA helps educators at all levels through publications, an annual course and conference and web-based earth science teaching resources.
ESTA also provides advice and support to teachers and learning establishments and supports or directly undertakes, research that helps develop the teaching of earth sciences.
ESTA is a UK Registered Charity, first formed in 1968.
Upcoming Events
27TH - 31ST JULY 2026
Aquinas College, Stockport
Summer School 2026
This programme is available to those with at least 50% geoscience in their degree, who are practising, or newly qualified teachers, or about to start a PGCE QTS course and who wish to teach geology in the UK to examination level (GCSE or A level or to contribute to the Higher in Environmental Studies in Scotland). There are exceptions and everyone will be considered on merit, but the course will be designed to teach the pedagogy of teaching geology rather than the subject itself.
The course, which carries a Professional Development Certificate awarded by the European Geosciences Union (EGU) as part of their Geoscience Education Field Officer scheme and ESTA, is endorsed by the Geological Society of London. It is supported by bursaries and is free-of-charge to participants (including all tuition, field trips, catering & hotel accommodation). The course is taught by highly experienced professional teachers, teacher trainers and examiners and has received highly positive feedback over many years.
11TH – 13TH SEPTEMBER 2026
School of Earth, Environment and Sustainability, University of Leeds
Annual Conference 2026
The 59th Annual ESTA Conference will take place at the School of Earth, Environment and Sustainability, University of Leeds between 11th – 13th September 2026.
The programme will again include a mix of keynote speeches and interactive workshops, running from Friday evening until Sunday afternoon.
Highlights will include:
Lab Tours
Geophysics Demonstration
Geology of Wine Talk
Conference Dinner and after dinner speaker
Workshops and practical demonstrations including:
QGIS
Mantle Plumes
Maths for Geology
Sunday will feature a field trip.