Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment his Department has made of the potential effect of the reduction in teachers training bursaries on recruitment to that profession.

The Department reviews the bursaries that we offer for initial teacher training (ITT) before the start of the annual recruitment cycle. In doing this, we take account of a number of factors including historic recruitment, forecast economic conditions, and teacher supply need in each subject. Being able to change bursary amounts gives us the flexibility to respond to the need to attract new teachers and means the Department is spending money where it is needed most.

Final recruitment figures for the 2020/21 academic year are not yet available. Between February and September this year there has been a 32% increase in applications for those looking to enter the classroom compared to the equivalent period last year. Information about this is available here: https://www.ucas.com/data-and-analysis/ucas-teacher-training-statistical-releases.

Teaching remains an attractive proposition for graduates. The focus of the bursaries the Department is offering for the 2021/22 academic year will be on subjects where we expect it will be hardest to attract sufficient applicants. All trainee teachers on tuition fee funded ITT routes can apply for a tuition fee loan so they do not have to pay the fee upfront, and they can also apply for a maintenance loan to support their living costs. Additional funding is also available depending on individual circumstances, such as the Childcare Grant.