Introducing our new membership fees: FAQs

New membership model...

From 1 September 2023, ASE will be bringing in a new membership model. We are introducing a simpler, more affordable, flat subscription rate for all members with the option to tailor subscriptions with the journal you want to receive.

We are introducing a simpler, more affordable, flat subscription rate for all members with the option to tailor subscriptions with the journal you want to receive. For all new members and those existing members who renew after 1st September 2023, the new rates are as follows:

  • £45 flat subscription rate for all new and existing members
  • £25 flat rate for technicians and retired members
  • Free for student teachers for the first two years, and half price for their third year of membership.

ASE membership includes a wide variety of benefits, including regular email updates with all the latest science education news and events, a termly digital copy of Education in Science (EiS), quarterly CPD news, discounts on books, journals and events, and – of course – access to the amazing community of support that uniquely comes with being an ASE member.   

We know that many of you will have questions – so we’ve put together this FAQ – however, if you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at membership@ase.org.uk   

Please note that the process of introducing the changes is complex. We are working hard to ensure that we address all eventualities and have the right systems in place, but this takes time and there may be questions that arise that we have not yet been able to address.  Please bear with us as we transition to our new membership model and do contact us with any other questions.

1. Why are we lowering membership subscriptions?

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. We recognise that the rising cost of living means that teachers, technicians, and others in the education community are having to make difficult choices about how they spend their income, and we want to ensure that as many as possible can access the professional and peer support that is so badly needed right now across the sector. That’s why we’re introducing a much lower, flat membership rate for all and giving members the flexibility to add the journals they want to receive. We are also making membership free to student teachers, as we recognise how important this early career support is to those starting out in teaching.

2. Will members still get all the same membership benefits?

All members will continue to get EIS, digital resources, regular news updates, discounts on events, opportunities to join committees, opportunities to write for our journals, and access to our community of support. In addition, we have a number of exciting new member-only benefits set to launch from January ‘24, such as exclusive webinars, podcasts and blogs, along with a tailored CPD news offering. On top of that, members will still be able to access substantial discounts on events (such as Annual Conference tickets) and Millgate books.
 

3. When can I switch to the new subscription rate - and how will it work?

Any individual signing up for a NEW ASE membership from 1st September 2023 will join under the new subscription rate and will be able to add additional services (such as journal subscriptions) to their membership package.

For existing members, your current membership – including all entitlements such as journal subscriptions – will continue for the remainder of your current membership term, whether you pay annually or monthly. When your current membership subscription comes to an end, you will be invited to renew under the new subscription fee model, with the equivalent journal automatically added.

4. I only recently renewed my membership subscription – what happens now – will I be able to switch over to the new rate?

Unfortunately, our systems do not enable us to pro-rata subscriptions – or switch to the new membership structure mid-way through the subscription year. As above, in question 3, your current membership – including all entitlements such as journal subscriptions – will continue for the remainder of your current membership term, whether you pay annually or monthly.

5. Can I just cancel my membership, get a refund, and join at the new price?

We will be continuing our policy that there is no automatic right – beyond the statutory cooling-off period of 14 days – for a refund on membership subscriptions.

6. I pay by direct debit – when will my monthly or annual direct debit switch to the new lower subscription fee?

Paying by Direct Debit allows you to spread costs over the year.  For the remainder of your current Direct Debit agreement, if you pay monthly, you will continue to pay your existing membership fees at the same amount (as your membership is renewed on an annual not monthly basis)– and receive the same membership benefits (i.e. journals) that you do now. When your annual membership is due for renewal, we will automatically change your Direct Debit amount to the lower subscription fee plus the add-on fee for the equivalent journals that you receive now. You will not need to re-authorise your existing Direct Debit mandate. You will still be sent a Direct Debit renewal reminder outlining your membership plan and fees at least 10 working days before your next renewal period.

7. I currently pay for my membership on a quarterly basis – will I be able to continue to do so?

Until your membership renews, you will continue to pay your membership fees on a quarterly basis. Upon renewal, we will move you to a monthly direct debit payment. You will be given 10 days’ notice of this change. Please contact membership@ase.org.uk if you have any questions or concerns.

8. Can my school still pay for my membership by invoice?

Yes.

10. Can I still get a paper copy of the journals?

Yes – you will be able to opt-in to receive a physical copy of the journals that you subscribe to.

10. How do I customise (add to) my membership package once I am switched to the new rate?

If you decide at any time to add any journals or would like to be added to the Consultants Directory, please log in to the membership area on our website and request an add-on. Please note, journal subscriptions and membership of the Directory cannot be pro-rated. 

11. Will I receive the same discounts under the new membership – such as for events and books?

Members will continue to get preferential rates on book sales and events. 

12. Are institutional membership fees changing?

Our institutional membership fees continue to offer preferential rates for individual memberships, and we are looking at how we can increase bespoke support and services to schools and departments that have taken out institutional membership and anticipate making changes at some point in the near future. In the meantime, any additional enhancements we make available to individual members (such as podcasts and webinars) will, of course, be made available to all of those who hold institutional membership as well.

13. How does the new trainee offer work?

ASE is really pleased to be able to offer free membership to early career teachers in order to access our community of support and professional learning resources. Please note that you will be expected to provide evidence of your training status, such as the name of your training institution. After your second year of free membership comes to an end, you will be invited to renew as a full ASE member at the full price (currently £45) with a 50 per cent discount for your first year – meaning that your third year of ASE membership will cost £22.50. You’ll automatically be sent a renewal reminder to take advantage of this offer.  For those under a current three-year membership plan, please contact membership@ase.org.uk who will discuss your circumstances with you.

14. I’m an honorary member – does this affect me?

Honorary members already have a lifelong complimentary membership. However, for anyone wishing to make a charitable donation either in lieu of membership or for the difference you would ordinarily pay, you may do so here.

15. I’m an associate member – what’s happening to my membership type?

Associate members will be transferred over to the new ASE membership – at a cost saving of £5 per year. You will retain the existing ability to add journals to your membership via an optional journal add-on.

16. I’m a retired member – what’s happening to this my membership?

The new subscription fee for retired members will be £25. You will be able to add journals to your membership at the standard rate when you renew or at any time by logging into your membership account online. If you pay by Direct Debit, we will automatically change your Direct Debit amount to the lower subscription fee plus the add-on fee for the equivalent journals that you receive now. You will not need to re-authorise your existing Direct Debit mandate. We will email you to alert you to the change in good time.

17. I don’t mind paying the old price for membership – can I make a donation for the price difference?

Absolutely – you can make a one-off charitable donation to the ASE or you can contact membership@ase.org.uk to set up an ongoing annual donation.

18. I currently have professional registration – will this be affected by the new membership structure?

The professional registration process is unaffected by these changes. If you currently hold professional registration, it will be carried over into your new membership package, and professional registration will be open to all paid ASE memberships after 1st September 2023.

19. What are the fees for each journal that can be customised as an optional add-on?

Journal fees in 2023/24 will be £19.99 p.a. for Primary Science, £29.99 p.a. for School Science Review, and £24.99 p.a. for Science Teacher Education which we plan to move to an online hub. The Journal of Emergent Science will continue to be open access. For anyone wishing to add more than one journal, you can do so at renewal or by logging into your membership account on our website.