PGCE training bursary
PGCE trainees starting their course in the academic year 2013/14 may be offered a tax-free bursary; the amount of the bursary depends on when an individual begins their training, the subject they train to teach and their degree classification. The table below summarises the standard training bursaries available in 2013/14 (taken from the TA website).
| Degree classification | Physics (1), mathematics, chemistry (1) | Modern foreign languages | Other priority secondary specialisms (2) and primary |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | £20,000 | £20,000 | £9000 |
| 2:1 | £15,000 | £15,000 | £4000 |
| 2:2 | £12,000 | £12,000 | £0 |
(1) Trainee teachers in physics, chemistry and maths with a 2:1 or first are able to apply for scholarships with the relevant subject association group. The scholarships are worth £20,000 and trainees will be subject to a competitive process. Trainees who hold the scholarship will not also be eligible for the standard Department for Education (DfE) bursary. Trainees who are not awarded a scholarship will continue to be eligible for the standard bursaries in 2013/14.
(2) English, geography, history, computer science, Latin, Greek, music, biology and physical education.
School Direct bursary top-up
Trainees on School Direct places may be eligible for an additional payment worth 25 per cent of their standard bursary. To qualify for this payment, trainees will need to be based in a school where more than 35 per cent of pupils are eligible for free school meals.
The School Direct bursary top-up is only available in combination with a standard bursary, and will be paid on top of the standard bursary amount the trainee is eligible for. Schools are not required to offer free school meals to participate in School Direct.
Physics teacher training scholarships
The Institute of Physics (IOP) has 100 teacher training scholarships worth £20,000 available to physics trainees starting their teacher training in the 2013/14 academic year. A 25 per cent premium will be paid to School Direct trainees whose training is based in a school where more than 35 per cent of pupils are eligible for free school meals.
The scholarship will be instead of the standard bursary, but trainees who are not awarded the scholarship will continue to be eligible for the standard bursaries.
To be an IOP Scholar you will need to have outstanding knowledge of school-level physics and the potential to become an inspirational physics teacher. Each scholarship also includes a package of benefits including membership and early career mentoring. Applications are now open; you can view the full eligibility criteria and apply on the IOP website
Chemistry teacher training scholarships
The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) has 130 teacher training scholarships worth £20,000 available to chemistry trainees starting their teacher training in the 2013/14 academic year. A 25 per cent premium will be paid to School Direct trainees whose training is based in a school where more than 35 per cent of pupils are eligible for free school meals.
The scholarship will be instead of the standard bursary, but trainees who are not awarded the scholarship will continue to be eligible for the standard bursaries.
The RSC is looking for individuals who are passionate about chemistry, have the potential to be an exceptional chemistry teacher and can therefore inspire the next generation of chemists. In addition to the funding, RSC Scholars will have access to a wide variety of RSC support including membership and networking opportunities. Visit the RSC website to view the full eligibility criteria and to apply.
Computer science teacher training scholarships
BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, has 50 teacher training scholarships worth £20,000 available to computer science trainees starting their teacher training in the 2013/14 academic year. A 25 per cent premium will be paid to School Direct trainees whose training is based in a school where more than 35 per cent of pupils are eligible for free school meals.
The scholarship will be instead of the standard bursary, but trainees who are not awarded the scholarship will continue to be eligible for the standard bursaries.
BCS is looking for outstanding individuals who are passionate about computer science and have the potential to become inspirational teachers. Applicants should have a thorough knowledge of school level computer science. Scholars will have access to BCS membership and early career mentoring opportunities with schools, universities and major employers. Visit the BCS website to view the full eligibility criteria and register your interest.
Mathematics teacher training scholarships
The Institute of Mathematics and its Application (IMA), in collaboration with the London Mathematical Society (LMS) and the Royal Statistical Society (RSS), has 150 teacher training scholarships worth £20,000 available to mathematics trainees starting their teacher training in the 2013/14 academic year. A 25 per cent premium will be paid to School Direct trainees whose training is based in a school where more than 35 per cent of pupils are eligible for free school meals.
The scholarship will be instead of the standard bursary, but trainees who are not awarded the scholarship will continue to be eligible for the standard bursaries.
To be a mathematics scholar you will need to have exceptional subject knowledge, enthusiasm for the study of mathematics, and outstanding potential to teach. Successful scholars will be offered additional support from the IMA, LMS, and RSS to enable them to make a significant contribution to the development of mathematics teaching in the schools where they train and work. The package will include membership offers, access to teaching resources and academic journals, and early career support. Visit the IMA website for further information.
Applicants with a degree from outside the UK
Please note that the (then) TDA commissioned a grade comparison exercise, carried out by UK NARIC, of all international awards that are considered comparable to British Bachelor (honours) degree standard. Applicants with a degree from outside the UK should refer to the equivalency table (PDF, 1MB) to see if their degree is likely to attract a bursary, or should consult their chosen training provider.
Find out more about bursaries on the TA website.
Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) bursary
Information about availability of SKE courses and bursaries will be published when it has been made available.