New incentives to teach announced in Wales

Improved incentives to teach physics, chemistry, maths, Welsh and modern foreign languages in Wales, have been announced by the education secretary Kirsty Williams.

For the first time Computer Science has also been added as a priority subject eligible for the highest level of incentive.

The incentives will see graduates with a First of a PhD or Masters undertaking secondary postgraduate Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes in Mathematics, Welsh, Computer Science, physics and chemistry receive £20,000.

Modern language students with a First, a PhD or Masters would receive a £15,000 incentive.

To support students undertaking primary PGCE studies whose subject specialism is in English, Welsh, mathematics, computer science, physics or chemistry with a First degree classification, a PhD or a Masters a £3,000 supplement in addition to the £3,000 incentive will be available.

A new Welsh medium incentive of £5,000 will compliment arrangements for existing support under the Welsh Medium Improvement Scheme with up to £2,500 payable on successful completion of QTS and a further £2,500 payable on successful completion of induction in a Welsh-medium or bilingual secondary school, or on successful completion of induction teaching Welsh in any secondary setting.

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 us 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.”