Whether it is a rapid-fire Twitter event as part of #ASEchat, or BBC Radio 4's "Inside Science," the discussion of practical work generates powerful debate. While it is right that the best use of practical work is continually discussed, its value in science teaching is without question. The level of discussion is being further heightened as secondary schools and colleges across England face significant changes in curriculum, assessment and accountability, and for many institutions, financial constraints in their science departments. This article highlights the Gatsby Foundation's programme of support for Practical Science in Schools. Many of the leading science organisations are coming together within a two-year programme of projects, initiated by the Gatsby Foundation, aimed at identifying and supporting resources that can stimulate wide and frequent use of practical work in science laboratories and in the field. As well as working to influence senior leadership teams and policy makers, Gatsby's programme has core activities focused directly on science departments, including: (1) Developing the expertise of technicians; (2) Raising awareness and accessibility of teaching resources; (3) Upskilling STEM Ambassadors to make better use of practical work for enrichment activities; (4) Inspiring new science demos; and (5) Updating advice on buying laboratory equipment. By bringing together several different projects, the Gatsby programme provides a useful menu of activities and approaches from which science departments can select in order to gain the resources and support most appropriate to the development of their practical work.