UK Teacher Training Bursaries 2026-2027 Academic Year

Published September 12, 2026 — London, United Kingdom. UK teacher training bursaries for 2026-2027 academic year range from £15,000-£26,000 tax-free for shortage subjects (physics, chemistry, maths, computing, languages). Scholarships at £26,000 for highest-demand subjects. Eligibility: degree 2:1+ in relevant subject, UK/Ireland residency. Apply via UCAS Teacher Training.

Data last verified September 12, 2026 from UK Department for Education Get School Experience portal, UCAS Teacher Training application information, Teach First program details, and UK Initial Teacher Training routes.

Quick Answer

UK teacher training bursaries 2026-2027: £15,000-£26,000 tax-free for shortage subjects. Scholarship £26,000: physics, chemistry, computing, languages. Bursary £15,000: maths, biology, geography, design tech, RE. Other subjects £4,000-£10,000. Eligibility: UK/Irish resident, degree 2:1+ in relevant subject. Routes: PGCE, School Direct, Teach First, SCITT. Apply via UCAS Teacher Training by February-March 2027 (UK DfE, 2026).

UK teacher training bursary amounts (2026-2027)

Source: UK Department for Education (2026); Get School Experience portal.

Eligibility for UK teacher training bursary

Residency requirements

• UK citizen - eligible.
• Irish citizen - eligible (Common Travel Area).
• EU/EEA citizen with settled status - eligible.
• EU/EEA citizen with pre-settled status - eligible for some routes.
• Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) - eligible.
• Refugee status / humanitarian protection - eligible.
• International candidates (no UK/Irish residency) - typically not eligible for bursary; may qualify for student loans.

Degree requirements

• UK Bachelor's degree (2:1 or 1st) - eligible for full bursary.
• UK Bachelor's degree (2:2) - eligible for lower tier (some routes).
• UK Bachelor's degree (3rd class) - typically not eligible; may qualify for some routes (School Direct, Teach First) with additional assessment.
• Master's degree - eligible based on Bachelor's classification.
• Overseas degree - assessed for equivalency via UK ENIC (formerly NARIC).
• Subject relevance - degree subject should match teaching subject for full bursary; some flexibility for shortage subjects.

Subject relevance examples

• Physics teacher: physics degree, engineering physics, astrophysics, materials science.
• Maths teacher: mathematics, statistics, engineering (with significant maths), computer science.
• Chemistry teacher: chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology, materials science.
• Biology teacher: biology, biochemistry, biomedical science, natural sciences.
• Languages teacher: relevant language degree (French, German, Spanish, etc.).
• Computing teacher: computer science, software engineering, information technology.
• Primary teacher: any degree (primary is generalist; subject less critical).

UK teacher training routes

PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education)

• Provider: university-led.
• Duration: 1 year full-time (or 2 years part-time).
• Structure: 60-80% university-based theory, 20-40% school placements (typically 2 placements of 5-10 weeks each).
• Qualification: PGCE + Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• Funding: tuition fees ~£9,250/year (UK students); maintenance loans available; bursary for shortage subjects.
• Best for: those wanting university-based training with strong academic foundation.

School Direct (Fee)

• Provider: school-led, partnered with university for academic award.
• Duration: 1 year.
• Structure: school-based (typically 4 days/week in school + 1 day/week university).
• Qualification: PGCE + QTS.
• Funding: tuition fees ~£9,250 (UK students); bursary for shortage subjects.
• Best for: those preferring school-based training with strong practical focus.

School Direct (Salaried)

• Provider: school-led.
• Duration: 1 year.
• Structure: employed as an unqualified teacher while training; full-time school-based.
• Qualification: QTS (PGCE optional via partner university).
• Funding: salary (typically £20,000-£32,000, varies by region/school).
• Eligibility: typically requires 2-3 years of work experience or career change.
• Best for: career changers with work experience; those needing income during training.

Teach First

• Provider: Teach First charity.
• Duration: 2 years.
• Structure: leadership-focused; 1st year placement in challenging school; 2nd year leadership project.
• Qualification: PGCE + QTS + Leadership Development.
• Funding: salary (~£20,000-£32,000); bonus for shortage subjects.
• Eligibility: 2:1+ degree; high-achieving graduates; strong leadership potential.
• Best for: high-achieving graduates wanting leadership training + social impact.

SCITT (School Centred Initial Teacher Training)

• Provider: school-led consortium.
• Duration: 1 year.
• Structure: school-based; ~80% school, ~20% centre-based training.
• Qualification: PGCE + QTS.
• Funding: tuition fees; bursary for shortage subjects.
• Best for: those wanting maximum school-based training.

Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship

• Provider: school-led (employed by school).
• Duration: 18-24 months.
• Structure: employed as unqualified teacher while training.
• Qualification: QTS + apprenticeship certification.
• Funding: salary; apprenticeship levy covers training costs.
• Best for: those wanting salary + extended training + school employment.

How teacher training bursaries are paid

Source: UK Department for Education; Get School Experience (2026).

UCAS Teacher Training application process

Application timeline (for 2027 entry)

Source: UCAS Teacher Training (2026).

Required application materials

• Personal statement: 4,000 characters; reasons for teaching; relevant experience; skills and qualities.
• Academic qualifications: degree certificate, transcripts, predicted grades (if still studying).
• References: 2 referees (typically 1 academic + 1 professional).
• DBS check: Disclosure and Barring Service check (paid for by school after offer).
• Fitness to teach: medical assessment; occupational health.
• Right to work: proof of UK/Irish residency (passport, BRP).

Application tips for teacher training

1. Get school experience: most programs require or prefer school experience (1-2 weeks minimum); observe lessons, work with students.
2. Subject knowledge: demonstrate depth of knowledge in your teaching subject; consider subject knowledge enhancement courses for career changers.
3. Personal statement quality: clear motivation, specific examples, evidence of skills and qualities (communication, patience, leadership).
4. Interview preparation: practice common interview questions; prepare to discuss a lesson you would teach; reflect on your school experience.
5. Apply strategically: apply to 3 programs (UCAS TT limit); mix of safe + reach choices; consider location, university, route type.
6. Funding: research bursary eligibility; student loans (for tuition + maintenance); childcare support (for parents); Access to Learning Fund (hardship).
7. References: choose referees who know you well (academic + professional); brief them on your teaching aspirations.

Career outcomes for UK teachers

UK teacher career outcomes (2026):

• Starting salary: £30,000-£34,000 (England; varies by region).
• Inner London supplement: +£3,000-£7,000.
• Outer London supplement: +£1,500-£4,000.
• Fringe area supplement: +£500-£2,500.
• Main scale (post-probation): £34,000-£42,000.
• Upper pay scale: £42,000-£52,000 (after 3-5 years).
• Lead practitioner: £55,000-£70,000.
• Head of department: £60,000-£80,000.
• Deputy head: £75,000-£100,000.
• Head teacher (primary): £80,000-£120,000.
• Head teacher (secondary): £100,000-£150,000+.
• Holiday: 13 weeks (approximately); one of the best in any profession.
• Pension: Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS); defined benefit; one of the best public sector pensions.

FAQ

Is the bursary taxable?
No - the UK teacher training bursary is tax-free (not subject to income tax or National Insurance). This is a major benefit: a £26,000 scholarship is equivalent to ~£35,000-£40,000 in pre-tax salary. The bursary does not affect student loan eligibility and does not typically affect Universal Credit or other means-tested benefits (subject to specific circumstances). You may still be eligible for maintenance loans while receiving a bursary (UK Department for Education, 2026).

Can I teach without a degree?Teaching in the UK requires Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) for maintained (state) schools. Routes to QTS: (1) Bachelor's degree + PGCE (most common). (2) Bachelor's degree + School Direct / SCITT. (3) Bachelor's degree + Teach First. (4) Bachelor's degree + Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship. (5) Assessment Only route (for teachers with significant experience but no QTS). (6) FE (Further Education) colleges - can teach with HND/HNC + teaching qualification (PGCE FE or DET). Without a degree, QTS is not possible for state schools. Independent schools have more flexibility but a degree is still expected for most roles (UK Department for Education; UCAS, 2026).