The FE ITT bursary

This is a new scheme introduced by the government in September 2013. It is aimed at attracting graduates to train as teachers in further education (FE), an exciting and diverse sector.

• Receive up to £20k to train

• Apply immediately to get the most benefit

• Access a wide range of jobs as a new teacher

What is it?

• A financial incentive to attract top graduates to teach in FE

• Aimed at trainee maths and English teachers, as well as those looking to help students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) achieve their goals

• Offers help with the cost of eligible Initial Teacher Training (ITT) courses

• Provides encouragement for trainees to finish their ITT course

Who is it for?

• Recent graduates interested in a career in teaching in FE

• Older graduates who want to change careers and retrain as teachers in FE

• Non-teaching college or training provider staff with a relevant degree who want to teach in FE

Why teach in FE?• A dynamic sector with many different training providers

• A wide range of teaching and training opportunities

• There is a real need for maths, English and SEN teachers

• A rewarding and fulfilling job, teaching a broad range of students

• Great opportunities for career progression

• Full time and part time teaching options

• High levels of job satisfaction, according to research

What do trainees get?

Eligible trainees get a bursary payment. The amount depends on the subject they want to teach and on the class of their degree. Trainees will get the following for this academic year:

Degree class

First 2.1 2.2

Specialism Mathematics £20,000 £15,000 £12,000

English £9,000 £4,000 No bursary

SEN £9,000 £4,000 No bursary

What are the eligibility criteria?

Trainees must:

• Be eligible for UK student support

• Hold a degree at a high enough class in a relevant subject

• Not be already on or about to apply to a Level 5 ITT course

• Not already hold a Level 5 teaching qualification

• Not hold or be eligible for qualified teacher status or equivalent

• Not be doing paid teaching work while they train or taking another ITT course

• Be able to demonstrate commitment to teaching in FE

What degrees are relevant?

• Maths trainees should have a maths degree or a degree that includes maths like engineering

• English trainees should have an English degree or a degree that includes English language or linguistics

• Trainee teachers of SEN students can have studied any degree

• ITT providers will consider other degrees if they think a trainee has enough knowledge of the subject they want to teach

How do trainees apply?

• Trainees must apply directly to an ITT provider – this might be their local university or college

• If a trainee has applied to do an ITT in a relevant subject and been accepted, they will be put forward automatically

• New trainees should call The Education and Training Foundation helpline on 0300 303 1877 for advice