£20k offer for best graduates to train as teachers in Wales

THE brightest graduates are being wooed with a promise of £20,000 to train as teachers in Wales.

The cash would go to those with a first-class degree, a PhD or masters in computer science, physics, chemistry, maths or Welsh.

It is the first time computer science is listed as a priority subject eligible for the highest level of incentive.

Announcing the cash incentives to the brightest and best graduates starting teacher training in 2018-19, the Welsh Government said modern language students with a first, a PhD or masters would receive £15,000.

Students doing primary PGCE studies, whose subject specialism is in English, Welsh, maths, computer science, physics or chemistry with a first, a PhD or masters, could get a £3,000 supplement in addition to the £3,000 incentive also available.

A new Welsh medium incentive of £5,000 will be added to existing support under the Welsh Medium Improvement Scheme.

Up to £2,500 will be paid to graduates successfully completing qualified teacher status and a further £2,500 after completing induction in a Welshmedium or bilingual secondary school, or after completing induction in teaching Welsh in any secondary setting.

Announcing the cash incentives, Education Secretary Kirsty Williams said: “In Wales we experience challenges in recruiting to certain subjects and in certain geographical locations. This is the challenge we must, and will, rise to.

“That is why I have decided to announce incentives for academic year 2018-19 early. We are providing clarity and assurance in our commitment to our newest teachers.

“Our ambitious reforms need well-supported, high-quality, aspirational teachers.

“We must therefore attract and support the best graduates.”