| answer text |
<p>The Government is committed to recruiting the most talented graduates to enter
initial teacher training (ITT). We offer a range of financial incentives to attract
the very best graduates into teaching. From 2012/13, the highest bursaries for ITT
have been awarded to graduates with first or 2:1 degree classifications and for subjects
in which it is traditionally difficult to recruit for.</p><p> </p><p>In September
2014, we announced increases to tax-free ITT bursaries for chemistry, computing, maths,
physics and languages trainee teachers to £25,000 for graduates with first class degrees
starting their ITT in 2015/16. Trainees with a 2:1 degree training to teach physics
will also receive £25,000 and those training to teach chemistry, maths, computing
and languages will receive £20,000. We have also increased bursaries in biology, geography,
design and technology (D&T), and primary maths, and introduced a new bursary for
religious education (RE). Full details of financial incentives for ITT are published
online at:</p><p> </p><p><a href="http://www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching/funding/postgraduate-funding"
target="_blank">www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching/funding/postgraduate-funding</a></p><p>
</p><p>In addition, we work in partnership with professional bodies to offer tax-free
scholarship awards of £25,000 to those entering chemistry, computing, maths and physics
ITT. These prestigious awards are aimed at high-quality graduates who are passionate
about their subject and have the potential to be inspirational teachers.</p><p> </p><p>As
well as the financial award, scholars gain access to a range of support and resource
not available to non-scholars including: membership to a range of scholar communities;
mentoring, including career mentoring, by expert subject teachers and employers; networking
events and educational trips throughout the training year and; continuing professional
development opportunities. Upon completion of the course, scholars are expected to
become ambassadors for the scheme sharing their resources and support with other teachers
and colleagues.</p><p> </p><p>Since 2010, the proportion of new entrants to ITT with
a 2:1 or first class degree has increased from 63% to 73% in 2014/15. Larger increases
have been seen in subjects such as maths and physics.</p><p> </p><p>The Government
continues to fund Teach First, and for 2015/16 ITT we have increased the number of
places by 33%, from 1,500 to 2000. We have also recently announced an expansion of
the popular Chairs in Maths and Physics programme, which looks to attract some of
the brightest and best post-doctoral researchers into the classroom by providing enhanced
salaries and a dedicated training and development programme.</p><p> </p><p>Decisions
on financial incentives for ITT are taken on an annual basis in light of recruitment
performance.</p><p> </p>
|
|
