Are bursaries likely to change for 2019-2020 entry?

Short: Are bursaries likely to change for 2019-2020 entry, or are they going to stay the same for a few years? Would they warn us about any upcoming changes or would they just release the new figures in September 2018?

Long:
A lot of the PGCE bursaries for Secondary were put up this year due to (I suppose) the need to train new teachers. The bursary for my subject in increased by 6k. It's not the reason I'm doing a PGCE, it just happened to be done the same year I decided to apply - I didn't even know about the bursary until my application was half done.

Now I've been quite excited to start this September, but I'm having a few doubts at the moment. I've had one of out my three interviews, and I think I messed it up, being that it was my first interview and I was a little unprepared and nervous. But that was the university I really wanted to go to, because of the location and several features of the course that really cater to my professional interests.

I'm still going to do my best for my next two interviews and consider going to the universities, but if it turns out that my first choice really was the best opportunity and I messed it up, I'm considering cancelling my application for this year and reapplying for 2019-2020 entry.

However, I do have to factor the bursary in. If bursaries are going to go down drastically next year (perhaps because of a flood of new teacher trainees? I don't know how effective the bursary incentive has been for the year) or are scrapped, I think I would rather just do the PGCE at a less ideal university this year and keep the money. I've kind of married the idea that I'm gong to have that money to help me while doing my PGCE and I would be pretty sore if I had to let it go.

Short: Are bursaries likely to change for 2019-2020 entry, or are they going to stay the same for a few years? Would they warn us about any upcoming changes or would they just release the new figures in September 2018?

Long:
A lot of the PGCE bursaries for Secondary were put up this year due to (I suppose) the need to train new teachers. The bursary for my subject in increased by 6k. It's not the reason I'm doing a PGCE, it just happened to be done the same year I decided to apply - I didn't even know about the bursary until my application was half done.

Now I've been quite excited to start this September, but I'm having a few doubts at the moment. I've had one of out my three interviews, and I think I messed it up, being that it was my first interview and I was a little unprepared and nervous. But that was the university I really wanted to go to, because of the location and several features of the course that really cater to my professional interests.

I'm still going to do my best for my next two interviews and consider going to the universities, but if it turns out that my first choice really was the best opportunity and I messed it up, I'm considering cancelling my application for this year and reapplying for 2019-2020 entry.

However, I do have to factor the bursary in. If bursaries are going to go down drastically next year (perhaps because of a flood of new teacher trainees? I don't know how effective the bursary incentive has been for the year) or are scrapped, I think I would rather just do the PGCE at a less ideal university this year and keep the money. I've kind of married the idea that I'm gong to have that money to help me while doing my PGCE and I would be pretty sore if I had to let it go.

The bursaries are unlikely to go down. You didn't say which subject you are applying for. We are desperately trying to hire science teachers and are an outstanding school so don't fret.

Also, don't fret too much about your interviews. They are not looking for the finished product, just someone who has potential. As for university - be a little careful. You won't be based at university. You will likely be based at a school up to 90 minutes commute from where you are living so location is less important than other factors.

Good luck!

I think bursaries are unlikely to go down- recruitment is still down this year, and I think some (e.g. English) might even go up.

The government is aware there's a recruitment crisis in teaching, and the bursaries are one way of saying "look we're doing something". However, I do wonder if at some stage the bursaries might come with more strings attached (e.g. a requirement to teach in UK state schools for X years)

You should see how your other interviews go! I was pretty certain I wanted to go to the local university until I went to visit my now chosen university which is about an hour away from my house and just felt a bit more at home and they had a couple of course differences (which interested me) that I didn't know about as the structure isn't particularly clear on the website.

Also, if you've not heard a no yet, it can't have been as bad as you thought it was! I'm sure they'd get all the definite no's out the way first to then choose between the rest.

English. I know science teachers will be in need for a long time yet, given all the higher-paying jobs in the science field. However, when it comes to English I imagine a lot of English graduates will turn to teacher training... so I'm worried they might respond to the oversubscription by lowering the bursary.

Thanks, I'm so worried though. I didn't say half the things I wanted to and I was so nervous I feel like I came across as a bit useless or skittish and if I could do it again tomorrow I would be fine but god knows how I actually came across in the interview

Be confident. There are still lots of English jobs especially if you are prepared to move about a bit. You have to be aware that English is the firing line for achievement. The pressure is on for English departments. But on the flip side, English departments are large owing to the number of hours of lessons for each student. Don't be down heartened. Be confident and go for it. Teaching is a brutal profession. If you are getting down in the dumps over one interview, you are going to be in for one hell of a shock when you get into a school!

Why do you think English will go up? Do you think anything is likely to change for next year?

The bursaries are unlikely to go down. You didn't say which subject you are applying for. We are desperately trying to hire science teachers and are an outstanding school so don't fret.

Also, don't fret too much about your interviews. They are not looking for the finished product, just someone who has potential. As for university - be a little careful. You won't be based at university. You will likely be based at a school up to 90 minutes commute from where you are living so location is less important than other factors.

Good luck!

I’m in the process of applying for a PGCE with Biology as my specialty! I have a BSc in biomedicine with first class and MSc in Cancer Biology with distinction, do you think I have s good chance of being accepted?

I don't see why not? You do know you will be required to teach Physics and Chemistry too?

I’m in the process of applying for a PGCE with Biology as my specialty! I have a BSc in biomedicine with first class and MSc in Cancer Biology with distinction, do you think I have s good chance of being accepted?

I don't see why not? You do know you will be required to teach Physics and Chemistry too?

Yeah but as far as I’m aware, not at A level?

Any more news on the original post?