The number of people accepted on to primary teacher-training courses has fallen sharply, as the Assembly government cuts back on places to reduce over-supply.
Around 476 primary postgraduate trainees started courses this autumn, down nearly 10 per cent on last year. Acceptances on to postgraduate secondary courses were down (0.4 per cent) to 1,107.
Final figures from the Graduate Teacher Training Registry show applications this year were down a fifth for primary courses, and down 2.2 per cent for secondary.
Meanwhile, the Assembly government is to match increases in grants and bursaries for trainee teachers in England for next year.
From September 2006, eligible secondary maths and science postgraduate trainees will receive pound;7,200 during their studies and a pound;5,000 “golden hello”. See www.learning.wales.gov.uk