As part of the final year of their undergraduate degree programmes, some chemistry students at the University of Bristol spend time in local primary or secondary schools working on chemistry or chemical education problems. All partners gain from this programme. The students develop many of the transferable skills required by employers in all sectors. The scheme also provides them with the chance to gain some experience of working in schools, at the same time as acquiring credit as part of their degree programme. Many of the participating students go on to postgraduate teacher training courses and become committed and effective teachers. The schools benefit from having young enthusiastic science role models, assistance in the classroom and an opportunity to develop and run new projects. The scheme also helps the university department develop better links with neighbouring schools.