New Teaching Incentives Welcomed

Senior staff at Edge Hill have welcomed new incentives to attract the best graduates into the teaching profession.

Minister for Schools Jacqui Smith has accepted a package of reforms, which come into effect in September 2006, which includes larger bursaries for PGCE students in Maths, Science, Music, RE, Modern Languages, Design & Technology, Information Communication Technology and English (including Drama).

Edge Hill is the largest provider of secondary teacher education programmes in the country and Chief Executive Dr John Cater said: "Whilst our PGCE intake rises year-on-year some subjects prove more popular than others and these new incentives will hopefully result in a more balanced output of qualified teachers of shortage subjects."

According to the TTA, extra support for those who want to enter teaching ? recently voted the top career choice among final year students ? will help safeguard recruitment to the profession.

For trainees starting in September 2006, the proposed package includes an increased £9,000 bursary for Maths, Science, Music and RE students, plus 'golden hellos? of £5,000 or £2,500 after one year?s employment.