This autumn, the UK government unveiled a new package of teacher training bursaries and scholarships worth up to £31,000 for priority subjects.
The aim is to boost recruitment in subjects like maths, physics, computing, and SEND specialism, where teacher shortages have been persistent.
But who exactly will benefit, and what are the trade-offs for schools and training providers? Here’s what leaders need to know.
1. What’s New: The 2025 Bursary & Scholarship Package
- The new policy offers tax-free bursaries and scholarships of up to £31,000 for trainees in “key shortage” subjects.
- Subjects included: physics, chemistry, computing, mathematics, biology, modern languages, design & technology, geography.
- In addition, for further education (FE) trainees, similar bursaries apply: up to £31,000 for STEM; £15,000 for SEND-specialist tracks; £10,000 for English.
- Postgraduate teaching apprenticeships will get grants for schools to train apprentices, aligning the funding with other routes.
This is a notable uplift in ambition: previously, many bursaries were modest or limited to certain specialisms.
2. Who Qualifies and What Conditions Apply
Eligibility criteria (general):
- Trainees must meet the standard eligibility for student finance and teacher training.
- You don’t apply separately for a bursary. Your training provider will check and allocate if you qualify.
- The amount awarded depends on subject demand and degree classification (e.g. 2:2 or better)
- Scholarships (in select subjects) require direct application and may include mentoring, events, or extra support.
Subject-based differentiation:
- STEM (maths, computing, physics, chemistry) attract the highest levels (£29,000–£31,000).
- Languages and design & technology come lower but still significant.
- For non-priority subjects, bursaries may be lower or removed entirely. Already, bursaries for English, music, art, RE have been cut or axed in some cases.
Additional routes affected:
- FE trainees (i.e. those teaching in colleges or further education settings) are newly included under this scheme.
- School-based routes / apprenticeships: Schools can receive grants to support apprenticeships in priority subjects, so that apprentices earn while training.
3. Who Stands to Gain Most
Trainees in high-demand subjects (STEM, languages, SEND):
Those training in computing, physics, maths, chemistry are the biggest winners. The enhanced bursaries make teacher training financially viable for candidates who might have otherwise chosen private or more lucrative STEM careers.
Those pursuing SEND specialism in FE settings also benefit from targeted support.
Undergraduate and postgraduate entrants:
Undergraduate courses that lead to QTS with a master’s component can receive bursaries in years 3 and 4.
Postgraduate trainees in eligible subjects automatically receive bursaries if they meet criteria.
Schools and providers:
Schools offering apprenticeships or sponsoring trainees can benefit from grants (~£29,000) to cover training costs in priority subjects.
Providers that can attract trainees into shortage areas may see more applications, easing competition in underserved subjects.
4. Risks, Trade-offs, and Potential Issues
1. Uneven incentives and subject gaps
While STEM and language subjects get generous bursaries, other subjects see cuts. This may further skew recruitment away from arts, humanities, and lower-demand areas.
2. Retention after training
Attracting trainees is one thing retaining them is another. If newly trained teachers leave early, the cost of bursaries may be wasted unless matched by stronger retention strategies.
3. Budget pressures and cuts
Recent history suggests bursaries can be cut quickly if recruitment targets shift. For example, bursaries in biology and geography have previously been slashed when over-recruitment occurred.
4. Administrative burden and equity
Providers and schools must ensure fair allocation, prevent exploitation, and manage the logistics of bursary payments. Also, candidates from disadvantaged backgrounds may still struggle with living costs not covered by bursaries.
5. Regional and institutional variation
Some areas or provider types may be less able to recruit in these subjects, and smaller schools might struggle to host apprentices or trainees, missing out on associated grants.
5. What Schools and Leaders Should Do
- Audit your subject gaps: Identify where your school is under-staffed and see if you can attract trainees benefitting from bursaries.
- Offer apprenticeship routes: Use the grant funding to host trainees in high-priority subjects.
- Retention focus: Develop strong induction, mentoring, professional development to retain new teachers.
- Partnerships with training providers: Work closely to ensure trainees have good placements, manageable loads, and support.
- Monitor policy changes: Bursary levels may shift with political cycles; be ready to adapt.
Conclusion / Takeaway
The new £31,000 bursary scheme marks a bold effort to tackle teacher shortages in critical subjects. Trainees in STEM, computing, languages, and SEND stand to gain the most. But the real success will depend on retaining those teachers and ensuring all subject areas remain valued.
For schools, this is a strategic moment. Align your recruitment plans now to benefit from the shift.
To explore how Equitas helps schools recruit trainees, apprentices, and fully vetted teachers in priority subjects, visit equitasstaffing.com or contact us at contact@equitasstaffing.com.
