Teaching in Wales : Funding

For trainees starting PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) courses in 2011, the package of funding available in Wales is as follows:

Training grants

• Mathematics, physics, chemistry, Welsh: £9,000.
• Modern foreign languages, biology, combined/general science: £6,000.
• Student teachers commencing secondary ITT courses from September 2011 and training through the medium of Welsh may be eligible for the Welsh Medium Improvement Supplement. This is aimed at student teachers who need extra support to raise confidence in their ability to teach effectively in Welsh.

Loans for fees and maintenance

Fees can vary but the maximum fee that can be charged has been capped at £3,375. Prospective students can apply for a tuition fee loan provided by the Student Finance Company. Loans for fees and maintenance do not need to be paid back until the course is completed and graduates are earning over £15,000.

A means-tested Welsh Assembly learning grant/maintenance grant may be available, prospective PGCE students should contact their Student Finance Company for advice. 

Employment-based funding

Student teachers on the Graduate Teacher Programme (GTP) in Wales receive a salary from their school. This will be at least equal to the minimum point on the unqualified teacher pay scale, but schools may choose to pay more.

Additional financial support

Other sources may include:

• Disabled Student Allowance;
• Childcare Support;
• Adult Dependents Grant;
• Parents Learning Allowance; 
• Financial Contingency Funding.