University Centre Somerset (UCS), is excited to share a pivotal opportunity for aspiring educators, made possible through a recent Department for Education announcement.
The Further Education (FE) Initial Teacher Education (ITE) Pre-Service Bursaries Programme for the 2024 to 2025 academic year is a national initiative aimed at bolstering the teaching workforce in the FE sector. UCS is proud to support our students in accessing these transformative bursaries, designed for those who aspire to make an impact as educators within the Further Education sector.
For those looking to specialise in high-priority subjects, this initiative opens the door to a rewarding career in teaching, underpinned by substantial financial support. Eligible subjects include Mathematics, Science (Chemistry, Physics, Biology), Engineering (and/or Manufacturing), and Computing, with bursaries of £30,000, and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), with bursaries up to £15,000. Additionally, a limited number of bursaries are available for English, capped at 100 places, valued at £15,000.
UCS currently offers two training routes into Further Education and Skills teaching:
· PGCE in Further Education and Skills, for holders of an honours degree
· Level 5 Certificate in Education, for those who don’t hold a degree but have a relevant level 3 qualification and subject specialist experience.
Both programmes are validated by the University of Plymouth and are available on a full- or part-time basis, enabling trainee teachers to gain a qualification from a prestigious university partner whilst studying flexibly right here in Somerset.
At UCS, teacher training courses are designed to equip you with the practical skills and knowledge needed to thrive in Further Education and Skills Sector teaching roles. With the added bonus of a tax-free bursary for those specialist subjects, we are committed to making your path to a teaching career as accessible and rewarding as possible.
Upon your enrolment onto the PGCE programme, as an FE ITE provider, UCS would apply for the bursary on your behalf. For more information, book a call with Course Leader Ziggi, who can answer your questions about the course and eligibility for the bursaries.
For those wishing to pursue a career in FE teaching who may not have the entry requirements or the confidence to start at Level 5, there is a Level 3 Express Award available at our Taunton and Bridgwater campuses.