Local MP Antony Higginbotham has welcomed the boost in tax-free bursaries and scholarships for trainee teachers in high priority subjects from next year.
The Government is investing in supporting aspiring teachers starting their training in September 2023, to attract and retain the best talent in high priority areas, including science, technology and mathematics (STEM) subjects.
Commenting on the funding boost Antony Higginbotham, MP for Burnley and Padiham said:
Here in Lancashire, we have a world leading aerospace and engineering sector. And so attracting and retaining more teachers within STEM subjects is 100% the right approach.
The boost to teacher bursaries will allow us build on the Levelling Up Premiums and give our young people the very best opportunities to gain knowledge and skills which will unleash their full potential.
I’ve been clear since I was elected that education is the key to levelling up in Burnley and Padiham and this news will further help to develop our skills pipeline, grow our economy, and increase the life chances of all young people.
Top graduates applying to become teachers will be eligible for bursaries worth up to £27,000 and scholarships worth £29,000 for high priority STEM subjects. £25,000 bursaries and £27,000 scholarships will be also offered to future language teachers, up from £10,000 this academic year.
Geography teachers will be eligible for bursaries of £25,000, an increase of £10,000, while biology and design and technology teachers will be eligible for £20,000, increases of £10,000 and £5,000 on this year. Trainee English teachers will be able to receive up to £15,000 tax free.
The package is worth £181 million in total with the extra funding making sure there are excellent teachers across the country giving students in schools the best possible start in life.
The boost in funding to attract trainee teachers comes on top of previous support announced to attract and retain the best teaching talent for schools. Teachers coming to England from overseas are now eligible for a new relocation premium to teach in high demand subjects, to help cover visas costs and relocation expenses.
Teachers in the first five years of their career teaching mathematics, physics, chemistry and computing in disadvantaged schools are already able to claim the Levelling Up Premium, worth up to £3,000 tax free.
Commenting, Schools Minister Jonathan Gullis said:
As a former teacher, I know that investing in our teachers is investing in young people. These generous bursaries and scholarships will attract the brightest and the best into teaching.
Shoring up the talent pipeline to teach vital subject areas such as STEM and languages will, in turn, equip young people with the knowledge and skills they need to secure a bright future, and ensure that our economy remains globally competitive.
