Talented individuals with the potential to become exceptional teachers are being offered bursaries and scholarships worth up to £31,000 to train in high-demand subjects, including chemistry, maths, physics, computing, English, and SEND.
The funding is part of the government’s latest package to raise standards in education, support teacher recruitment and retention, and ensure every child has access to high-quality teaching – especially in subjects where specialist teachers are in short supply.
The new incentives include:
- £31,000 bursaries for teacher trainees in STEM subjects
- £15,000 bursaries for SEND-specialist trainees
- £10,000 bursaries for those training to teach English
- Up to £29,000 in PGTA funding for apprentices in maths, chemistry, physics, and computing
- £20,000 PGTA funding for modern foreign languages
The Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship route has grown by 55%, offering a salaried, hands-on pathway into teaching. For the first time, PGTA funding will match Initial Teacher Training incentives across all subjects.
Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education, said:
“Inspirational teachers changed my life and change the lives of millions of children every day - this government is determined that we have more brilliant teachers, in more schools, improving the life chances of more children and young people.
“Through our Plan for Change, we’ve already begun to move the dial, with more teachers in our schools this year than last, and big increases in people accepting teaching training places in subjects including chemistry, physics, and maths.
“But there is more to do, and we need talented people with the passion and drive to inspire the next generation - working their magic, making school a place pupils want to be, boosting outcomes and transforming the lives of our young people.”
The announcement builds on progress made through the government’s Plan for Change, which has seen five million fewer days of pupil absence this year, 2,300 more teachers in secondary and special schools, as well as a 33% increase in physics trainees.
The government is also tackling workload and wellbeing challenges, with nearly 10% pay increases over two years and support through the Education Staff Wellbeing Charter. The upcoming Schools White Paper, due this autumn, will set out a once-in-a-generation reset to ensure every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to succeed.
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