Bursaries for trainee teachers in shortage subjects are being increased to as much as £25,000 try to attract more of the “best and brightest graduates” into the profession.

Schools minister David Laws today announced a significant increase in the size of the inducements on offer for trainees with degrees in physics, chemistry, maths, computing and languages, as well as a new bursary for graduates in religious education.

Under the changes, the value of the bursary for trainees with a first or 2:1 in physics, or a first in maths, chemistry, computing or languages, will increase from £20,000 this year to £25,000 in 2014-15.

Graduates with a 2:1 in chemistry and languages will get £20,000, up from £15,000, while those with a 2:2 will get £15,000, up from £12,000.

Bursaries have also increased for trainees in design and technology, geography, biology and music, while a new award for religious education graduates is worth £9,000 for a first and £4,000 for a 2:1.

In addition, 700 scholarships worth up to £25,000 will be available next year for graduates in maths, physics, chemistry and computing, offered in conjunction with professional bodies.

The government is also increasing funding for schools offering salaried School Direct places in maths, physics and computing. The extra money means trainees in those subjects could earn more than £21,000, or £25,000-plus in inner London.

“We want to attract the best and brightest graduates into the profession, to inspire even more young people to achieve their full potential,” said Mr Laws.

“Increases to the range of bursaries and prestigious scholarships on offer for core subjects…will help us recruit the nation’s most talented graduates and raise the standard of teaching in our schools so that every child receives the education they deserve.”

Charlie Taylor, chief executive of the National College for Teaching and Leadership, said: “Teaching is a brilliant job that now attracts more top graduates than ever.

“I am delighted we are offering these excellent bursaries and scholarships, giving more great people the opportunity to become teachers.”

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