The Schools' Observatory

The Schools' Observatory

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The Schools' Observatory is a free educational astrophysics website for UK and Irish schools.

Established by Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) the National Schools' Observatory (NSO) enables schools in the UK and Ireland to request their own observations alongside professional astronomers with the world's largest fully-robotic telescope, the Liverpool Telescope. Free access to the Liverpool Telescope as well as free web-based educational resources help with the challenging task of te

02/02/2026

โœจApplications are NOW OPEN! โœจโ€จ๐Ÿš€ Astrophysics Work Experience Week 2026 ๐Ÿš€

Calling all Year 12 students (or equivalent, UK & Ireland)!โ€จAre you curious about space, stars, and the Universe? Want to experience what real astrophysics research is like?

๐Ÿ“ Liverpool John Moores University, UKโ€จ๐Ÿ“… Monday 13th โ€“ Friday 17th July 2026

During the week, youโ€™ll:โ€จ๐Ÿ”ญ Work with real astronomical dataโ€จ๐Ÿ›ฐ๏ธ Use robotic telescopesโ€จ๐Ÿ’ก Learn from professional astronomers & researchersโ€จ๐Ÿค Meet like-minded students who love space as much as you do

๐Ÿ“ Apply now:โ€จ๐Ÿ‘‰ www.schoolsobservatory.org/wexweek
โฐ Application deadline: Monday 13th April 2026
โญ Places are limited โ€” donโ€™t miss out!
โ€จTag someone who should apply ๐Ÿ‘‡โœจ

09/04/2025

๐Ÿšจ Application closing soon! ๐Ÿšจ

Only 2 weeks left to apply for our Astrophysics Work Experience Week in Liverpool!

Are you in Year 12 & love space? This is your chance to work with real data, robotic telescopes & experts!

Deadline: 22nd April
Apply now: www.schoolsobservatory.org/wexweek

Tag a space-loving friend who shouldnโ€™t miss this!

17/03/2025

โœจ Calling all Year 12 students (or equivalent, in the UK & Ireland)! โœจ
Are you passionate about space and astrophysics? Want hands-on experience working with real astronomers?

Join us this summer in Liverpool for an exclusive Astrophysics Work Experience Week!

๐Ÿš€ Applications are now OPEN! ๐Ÿš€
๐Ÿ”ญ Gain insights into astrophysics
๐Ÿ’ก Work with real data & robotic telescopes
๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿš€ Connect with experts & like-minded students

๐Ÿ“… Deadline: Monday 22nd April 2025.
๐Ÿ“ Apply now: www.schoolsobservatory.org/wexweek

Tag a friend who should apply! ๐ŸŒŸ

28/03/2024

๐ŸŒŸ Join our team as Observational Data and Development Officer! ๐ŸŒŸ

Exciting opportunity alert! ๐Ÿš€ We're on the lookout for someone passionate about astronomy to help us integrate the Faulkes Telescope Project with The Schools' Observatory. ๐ŸŒŒ Your role? Develop awesome observing experiences for schools using our Go Observing system and the Las Cumbres Observatory network! ๐Ÿ”ญ

What we're after:
Knowledgeable in astronomical observation techniques ๐Ÿ“ก
Ready to expand our catalogue of celestial objects for schools ๐ŸŒŸ
Can connect telescope data to educational materials ๐Ÿ“š

Ideal candidate:
Degree or equivalent in astronomy or related field ๐ŸŽ“
Hands-on telescope observing experience ๐ŸŒŸ
Loves school-level education ๐Ÿซ
Team player extraordinaire ๐Ÿค

Sound like you? Join us and let's explore the universe together!

๐ŸŒ 

More information: https://jobs.ljmu.ac.uk/vacancy/observational-data-and-development-officer-fixed-term-for-5-years-554934.html

25/03/2024

Are you in year 12 (or equivalent) and from the Liverpool City Region? Why not apply for our physics work experience week this summer?

Applications are only open until Monday 15th April 2024, apply now!

schoolsobservatory.org/wexweek

26/01/2024

Introducing Our Place in Space, the first of our new suite of CPD courses for educators.

www.schoolsobservatory.org/teach/training/our-place-space

Made with the UK and Irish curricula in mind, our CPD (Continuing Professional Development) courses are completely free thanks to the generous funding provided by Liverpool John Moores University.

Our latest CPD Courses are interactive, flexible and you can study at your own pace. We will be adding more courses throughout the year.

You can explore the wide range of resources available on this site to utilise in the classroom, as well as topic knowledge and common misconceptions.

15/01/2024

Are you in year 12 (or equivalent, in the UK and Ireland) and want to join us for an astrophysics work experience week this summer in Liverpool?

Applications for this year's astrophysics work experience programme are now open!

More details and the application form are on our website. Applications close Monday 15th April 2024.

www.schoolsobservatory.org/wexweek

15/12/2023

The holiday season is here! Wherever you are celebrating, we hope you have a warm and restful time and wish you all the best for the year ahead.

05/12/2023

Just 5 days left to apply!

If you'd like to come and work with a Gold Medal ๐Ÿฅ‡ winning public engagement team then check out our vacancy!

Role Overview: As the go-to person, you will lead our teacher training program, expand our network, and develop educational materials for educators and learners of all ages. Our mission is to attract, inspire, and engage learners in the realms of science and technology through the lens of astronomy.

Why The Schools' Observatory?
We're not your typical educational hub; we're the gateway to the cosmos! With the Liverpool Telescope providing our very own window to the Universe. We are guided by our commitment to enable "Access to the Universe for All."

Benefits and Commitment to Equality:
Our team, the Astrophysics Research Institute, and LJMU are committed to promoting equality and diversity. We encourage applications from all individuals, especially those under-represented in teaching, STEM, and astrophysics. In return, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave, a pension scheme, induction and development support, and family-friendly policies.

The full job description and application process available on the Liverpool John Moores University website: https://jobs.ljmu.ac.uk/vacancy/the-schools-observatory-tso-development-and-marketing-officer-542881.html

Applications open until 10th December.

05/12/2023

Space: STEM Clubs Resources

The Schools' Observatory is offering Bronze, Silver & Gold 6-Week STEM Club Resources for both primary & secondary students! Build & launch a rocket or find an asteroid with the worldโ€™s largest robotic telescope: https://bit.ly/47dL33d

All About STEM

29/11/2023

Try our 6 Week STEM Clubs Resources: https://bit.ly/452PtZU

They're great for class or club!

Royal Air Force Youth Engagement Team
Build a lunar base or land an Eggnaut!

Shaping Futures
Make rainbow celery or a cloud in a bottle

Liverpool John Moores University
Create balloon rockets or bath bombs

The Schools' Observatory
Find an asteroid & more!

Want your school to be the top-listed School/college in Liverpool?

Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.

Location

Address

Liverpool
L35RF

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm