To answer your question, yes changing career to train as a teacher is affordable. However, it is important to note that this differs per person and their own financial position.
You can now get up to £29,000 tax-free as you train to teach Physics, Chemistry, Maths, or Computing and £15,000 for English. Languages, Biology, and Design & Technology have also increased.
And if you need even more evidence that changing career to teaching is affordable, read on:
- Teaching is a secure job (don’t just take our word for it, read about Sophie’s experience)
- Once you’ve achieved QTS, your salary will range between 28-45k
- There are opportunities to progress within schools where you can earn up to 76k
So, what’s changed with bursaries and scholarships?
Bursaries
High-demand subjects such as English, Maths, Computing, Physics, Chemistry, Geography, and Biology have all seen an increase of up to an extra £3k. So, if you want to teach one of these we advise applying before April 2023.
If you’re a non-UK national trainee studying Languages or Physics (short supply subjects), you will now receive a bursary. This funding will hopefully support those previously not eligible for ITT.
Scholarships
Scholarships grant you an extra £3k and membership to a relevant body. The best news? You can apply for these before you even have a training place secured.
For example, if you’re on a Modern Foreign Languages scholarship you can get a British Council membership – gaining access to a wealth of knowledge and resources from there too.
To recap, changing career to teaching is affordable. However, it can be a big pay cut for many, especially after working up the ladder for 20+ years or moving from CEO and managerial positions.
Many of our career changers have told us that they got to a point where they cared less about making money and wanted to do something more impactful... and we’ll be honest, there’s nothing quite as rewarding as seeing your students realise their potential.
So, if you’re passionate about any of the subjects mentioned and want to make a difference in the lives of young people – this year's bursaries might mean 2023 is your year to train.
Your knowledge and experience are valuable and can influence the next generation.
We’ll help you apply, support you through your training and introduce you to a community of like-minded career changers. Register your interest and one of our career change specialists will call you.
And if you’re not quite there yet but know someone else that would make a great teacher, share this article with them! Maybe the new bursaries and scholarships will encourage them to pursue a career in teaching.
Oh, and it’s also good to note that your training provider will pay your bursary or scholarship over the duration of your course, in 10 equal monthly (and tax-free) instalments.
Find out more about this and what funding you’re eligible for via Get Into Teaching.
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Your experience is valuable and will make a difference to the lives of young people. Register and we'll talk you through the rest.
