We want to make it easier for talented people to train as
teachers, especially in subjects where they're needed most.
That's why bursaries and scholarships have just been announced
for those starting teacher training courses.
Here's what you need to know.
What is being announced?
From today, people training to become teachers in key subjects
can apply for tax-free bursaries and scholarships worth up to
£31,000.
This funding is designed to attract more people into the
profession by helping cover the cost of training, so that
finances are less of a barrier.
Which subjects are covered?
Bursaries are focused on priority subjects where more teachers
are needed, including:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Computing
- Mathematics
- Languages
- Design & Technology
- Biology
- Geography
In addition, scholarships are available in Physics, Chemistry and
Computing.
These subjects are vital to young people's futures, but also
areas where schools have found it hardest to recruit enough
teachers.
How can I apply for the bursaries and
scholarships?
Bursaries are straightforward - if you qualify for one, you'll
get it automatically when you start your teacher training. No
application is needed.
Scholarships work differently. They're run by organisations who
love their subject and want to support new teachers. As well as
money, you'll get extra perks like mentoring and the chance to
meet other teachers in your field. You do need to apply for
these.
However it is worth noting you can only get one or the other -
not both.
Find out more here.
Are there other routes into teaching?
Yes. There are also employment-based routes. We support these
too, for example, schools offering Postgraduate Teaching
Apprenticeships (PGTA) will continue to receive salary grants of
up to £29,000.
This means trainees can earn a salary while they learn.
How does this support fit into wider plans to recruit
more teachers?
The government has pledged to recruit an additional 6,500
teachers by the end of this Parliament.
Already, there are over 2,300 more secondary and special
schoolteachers in classrooms this year compared to last year, and
1,300 fewer teachers leaving the profession, meaning more pupils
are being taught by experienced staff.
The bursaries build on this progress by encouraging more people
to enter the profession.
Why is this important?
High-quality teaching is the single biggest driver of school
improvement and pupil success.
By supporting more people to train as teachers, particularly in
shortage subjects, these bursaries will help ensure that every
child has access to excellent teaching.
What does this mean for families and
pupils?
More teachers in classrooms, especially in maths, science and
computing, means pupils can get the specialist teaching they
need. This is particularly important in disadvantaged
communities, where the impact of high-quality teaching can be
most transformative.
You may also be interested in:
