After two years of hard work and dedication over 1,600 A Level, Vocational Diploma and T Level students collected their results in August. With almost 1,000 students leaving College having secured entry to their first-choice university, this year is the culmination of their efforts and diligence, supported through the care, expertise and dedication of our excellent staff.
New Bursaries for PGCE and Cert Ed students
More funding has been made available for those training to teach Further Education
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Published Wednesday 24 May 2023
As the demand for skilled and passionate teachers in Further Education continues to rise, there are now more bursaries and funding options available than ever before to support those who want to complete a PGCE or a Cert Ed programme within Further Education.
The government has recently announced that those planning on completing a PGCE or a Cert Ed programme during the 2023-24 academic year could now be eligible for a tax-free bursary, ranging from £15,00 to £29,000 within specific subjects.
The University Centre Truro and Penwith offers the relevant courses that qualify for these bursaries. The programmes provide comprehensive training and preparation in a supportive environment for individuals wishing to begin their Further Education teaching career.
The eligibility for the bursaries is based on the trainee’s relevant qualifications or professional experience, as well as their intention to teach one of the following subjects in the further education sector: Maths, Science, Engineering or Computing. Those who plan to teach any of these subjects may receive a bursary of up to £29,000, while those who are training to teach English may be granted a bursary of £15,000. Additionally, a £15,000 bursary will be awarded to those who plan to teach SEND learners.
Jess Cowen, Programme team leader for Education and Truro and Penwith College, said: “It is fantastic that the next generation of teachers are able to access additional funding to support them whilst studying their PGCE or Cert Ed within the Further Education and Skills Sector, and that the government are investing in inspiring FE teachers.
“We are proud to offer a high-quality PGCE programme in further education at the University Centre Truro and Penwith through The University of Plymouth. Our programme provides students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to become outstanding teachers in the Further Education and life long learning sector. With a focus on student-centred learning and innovative teaching practices, we prepare our students to deliver engaging and effective lessons that inspire and empower their learners.”
It is important to note that the total amount of funding available from the government is finite, and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, prospective trainees are encouraged to apply early to secure their eligibility for these bursaries.
Current University Centre Truro and Penwith, Full Time PGCE student Harriet Pender said that ‘I am very grateful to have received the bursary. It gave me security in making my decision to accept my place on the PGCE. I knew that I could complete the course without worrying about finance, and have thrived whilst on the programme .”
In addition to these bursaries, there are also other funding options available, including the student loans system, which can provide support for tuition fees and living expenses.
Completing a PGCE or Cert Ed in further education is an excellent way to enter a rewarding career in teaching and with these bursaries and funding options available, it is now more accessible than ever before. These opportunities help to ensure that anyone who has the passion and drive to teach has the chance to do so. One such individual is Andy Folks Deputy Team Leader in Engineering who now leads a team supporting apprenticeships across six different engineering disciplines at Truro and Penwith College.
If you are interested in completing a PGCE or a Cert ed within the Further Education Sector, contact us on heenquiry@truro-penwith.ac.uk. The team will also be at various events over the summer throughout Cornwall including Royal Cornwall Show, Stithians Show and Boadmasters. Come along and find out more about studying with us at the University Centre.
To find out more information and apply for the bursary, visit the government’s website.
