The UK government has announced up to £31,000 in tax-free financial incentives for trainee teachers in maths, physics, chemistry, and computing across England, aiming to tackle teacher shortages in these subjects.
According to a report from Sky News, the Department for Education (DfE) is introducing bursaries and scholarships for trainees entering both university and school-based training routes. The funding is meant to encourage more people, especially those with science and engineering backgrounds, to enter the teaching profession.
Financial Incentives for Teacher Training
Trainees in further education will also be eligible for the new bursaries, receiving up to £31,000 in subjects facing shortages. Those training to teach English in further education can receive £10,000, while £15,000 will be available to those preparing to work with children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
In addition, Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeships in maths, chemistry, physics, and computing will be funded at the same level as other training routes for the first time. Schools will be able to claim up to £29,000 to train apprentices in these areas.
Teacher Shortages and Recruitment Data
Reports cite that recent figures show that only 62% of the government’s secondary school teacher recruitment target was met last year. However, the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) projects this figure could rise to 85% for the 2025/26 academic year.
Jack Worth, education workforce lead at NFER, said: “Our research has shown bursaries are very effective for recruiting more teachers and retaining additional teachers long-term, particularly in shortage subjects such as physics and maths.”
He added: “This announcement could go a long way towards helping the government meet its pledge to recruit and retain 6,500 additional teachers.”
Retention Remains a Key Challenge
While the incentives may attract more trainees, concerns remain about keeping them in the profession. Amanda, a science coordinator at a secondary school in north London, told Sky News: “The tax-free incentive is certainly a massive pull factor… but to keep them, that’s a very different story.”
She noted that while training routes are varied, they do not address issues such as stress, workload, and broader social responsibilities placed on teachers. “Expectations have increased massively over the last ten years… our roles have become much more demanding without the equivalent investment,” she said.
Amanda also cited reduced funding and rising costs as factors making it harder for schools to retain staff, particularly in science and engineering subjects.
Progress Reported, But Gaps Remain
The Institute of Physics has stated that one in four secondary schools in England still has no specialist physics teacher. Despite this, the DfE reports a 33% increase in those training to teach physics and a 42% rise in computing trainees this year.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the government is focused on increasing teacher numbers. “We need talented people with the passion and drive to inspire the next generation… This government is determined to have more brilliant teachers, in more schools, improving the life chances of more young people,” she said.
