The Ted Wragg Teacher Education Research Fellowship, the first scheme of its kind, is being pioneered by Exeter university’s school of education and lifelong learning.

It will recruit teachers and turn them into academics over five years.

Successful candidates will eventually train future generations of postgraduate certificate in education students.

Professor Wragg, who died in November last year, was director of Exeter’s school of education from 1978 to 1996, and emeritus professor from 2003.

For 25 years he was one of The TES’s most popular writers, contributing hundreds of columns and articles.

The fellowship programme is open to experienced teachers who want to build an academic career combining research and teaching. They will be guided by two mentors through an MSc in research methods, combined with lecturing.

The posts carry salaries of up to pound;30,000. The first fellowships, which start in September this year, are open to primary teachers, or secondary staff specialising in chemistry, history or maths.

Professor Debra Myhill, the university’s director of initial teacher training, said: “The fellowships at Exeter are unique. They will support practitioners to progress through the career structure in a traditional research university while giving a fresh perspective based on classroom experience.”

An appeal has also been launched in memory of Professor Wragg.

The Ted Wragg memorial fund will provide educational opportunities for disadvantaged young people in his home town of Sheffield.

Donations should be sent to: John Bigley, Howden House, 1 Union Street, Sheffield, S1 2SH.

More information is available at www.exeter.ac.ukeducation