Teaching scholarship scheme success - graduate jobs

Students seeking teaching opportunities might want to consider further postgraduate study at the same time as part of a £2 million scholarship scheme.

The Government has just announced the first round of successful bids to the National Scholarship Fund for Teachers, which has been created to allow existing teachers to improve their subject knowledge.

It is part of an initiative to encourage more teachers to attain postgraduate qualifications and continue to improve academically.

The scheme, which is open to all teachers, received around 2,000 applications for scholarships worth up to £3,500 each.

Around 671 people have been successful in their bid to get a slice of the £2 million fund, while similar amounts are expected to be put forward in future years as well.

Schools minister Nick Gibb said: "These scholarships have been awarded to teachers who have the potential to make a significant contribution to the country's intellectual heritage through the acquisition of deeper subject knowledge.

"Nothing is more important for raising standards in our schools than ensuring that we have more great teachers. These scholarships, alongside our other reforms to improve teacher recruitment and training, will elevate the status of the teaching profession."

Brian Lamb, chairman of the Lamb Inquiry and Achievement for All, said: "It is crucial that children with SEN (special educational needs), who have some of the most complex needs and challenges, are taught by teachers with the expertise and professional skills to match this challenge."