PGCE funding available to trainee teachers, says expert

Trainee teachers are much more likely to be given financial support for their postgraduate certificate of education (PGCE) than those studying other courses.

This is according to Elspeth Farrar, the communications director of the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services (Agcas).

She noted that unlike other courses of further study such as postgraduate diplomas and master's degrees, funding is readily available for students of teaching.

In these courses, Ms Farrar contended, "you are not actually guaranteed any funding at all".

However, trainee teachers can now take advantage of a number of finance options that are available for PGCEs, she added, stating: "The situation is better than is used to be because now there are bursary schemes in shortage subject areas."

The Training and Development Agency for Schools last year carried out a survey of recently qualified teachers that had the highest satisfaction rating of training for four years. It also revealed that 96 per cent of respondents were employed in teaching.