The teacher training scholarship programmes are part of the NCTL incentive package to attract initial teacher training applicants. They provide funding and various additional benefits to support trainee teachers and are awarded to applicants for teacher training who have the potential to become exceptional teachers. The relevant subject professional bodies administer the scholarship programmes on behalf of the NCTL and the DfE.

If a trainee is awarded a scholarship it would replace the government bursary; because of this all financial matters are dealt with by the NCTL.

Scholarships are offered in the following shortage subject areas:

·  Chemistry

·  Computing

·  Maths

·  Physics

Benefits of the scheme

The benefits of each scheme vary slightly. The points below highlight the main offerings. For more information please visit the individual professional bodies’ websites overleaf.

·  £25,000 tax-free funding for Maths, Chemistry and Computing scholarships

·  £30,000 tax-free funding for a Physics scholarship

·  Free membership of appropriate professional bodies

·  Membership of a scholar community

·  Support, advice and free CPD sessions

Who is eligible to apply?

·  Applicants are expected to be passionate and knowledgeable about their chosen subject and have the personal qualities to help them become an excellent classroom teacher.

·  Applicants must have a proven (or predicted) relevant academic record with a first or 2.1 degree or hold a PhD or master’s degree or recognised equivalent. If applicants have a 2.2 degree we will consider their application if they can demonstrate significant subject-related industrial experience.

·  Please note that chemistry applicants who have a minimum of a 2:2, or are predicted a 2:2 and will have graduated by August 2016 will also be considered (Maths will also consider experience with young people e.g. an education module as part of a maths degree).

·  If applicants don’t have a degree in the relevant subject, but have completed or intend to complete an SKE course for the subject area, they are also eligible to apply.

·  Applicants must also be eligible to receive funding from the Student Loans Company.

Application process

The application process for scholarships is competitive. Although the process varies between schemes, it starts with an online application form. If successful at this stage candidates are invited to attend an assessment day held at various times throughout the year. Assessment days vary but typically include interviews, discussions and a subject knowledge test.
For more details see the individual bodies’ websites overleaf.

Scholarships at the Train to Teach events

At least one of the scholarship professional bodies will be attending the majority of Train to Teach events as a ‘subject association’. Feel free to come over and chat to us and direct potential candidates towards our stands for more information regarding the scholarship programme.

If you would like further information about the schemes, including leaflets for open days or interviews, please contact us:

Subject / Professional Body / Contact details
Chemistry / Royal Society of Chemistry / www.rsc.org/education/scholarships

01223 432369
Computing / BCS Academy of Computing / http://academy.bcs.org/scholarships

Maths / The Institute of Maths and its Applications / www.teachingmathsscholars.org

Physics / The Institute of Physics / www.iop.org/scholarships
Initial Teacher Education Team

020 7470 4959