STEM teacher bursary scheme to continue in Scotland

A STEM bursary scheme in Scotland that encourages people to train as secondary school teachers in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Computing Science, Technical Education and Home Economics is set to continue.

These are the secondary school STEM subjects with the greatest demand for teachers, and 150 bursaries will  be available for career changers to apply for the £20,000 bursary in the next academic year while studying for a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE).

Skills Development Scotland will open the bursary scheme for applications on 5 April, 2021.

Education Secretary John Swinney said: “The success of the scheme demonstrates that teaching is recognised as an attractive profession and I am pleased that we will once again be providing bursaries of £20,000 to career changers to support teacher training in certain STEM subjects where demand is at its greatest. 150 bursaries were awarded during the 2020/21 scheme.

“Those that decide to apply for the bursaries will step into a rewarding and exciting new career. We need fresh talent that can share their passion and wealth of expertise with young people. STEM is an integral part of our future economic and social development, and education, training and lifelong learning have a critical role to play in enthusing and encouraging everyone to build a strong base of STEM skills and knowledge.”