The Welsh Liberal Democrat Education Minister, Kirsty Williams AM, has announced an extension of financial incentives for teacher training.

The incentives aim to attract the best graduates into priority subjects such as maths, physics, chemistry, computer science and modern foreign languages.

The incentive scheme to teach secondary education in Welsh - Iaith Athrawon Yfory – has also been extended and can be applied for alongside the other incentives.

Jane Dodds, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, said:

“The Welsh Liberal Democrats know the importance of valuing our teaching workforce. That’s why the Progressive Agreement committed to incentivising, recognising and promoting teaching excellence in order to raise standards.

“I’m so pleased we’re delivering this in Government. Whether it’s the single biggest investment in support for Wales’ teachers since the start of devolution, introducing the Welsh Government’s first ever teaching awards, launching the National Academy for Educational Leadership, or piloting business managers to support teachers with workload – we’re supporting our teaching workforce to deliver the best for Wales’ pupils.

Kirsty Williams, Welsh Liberal Democrat Education Minister, said:

“Giving school pupils the best possible education means attracting the best teachers into the profession, especially in priority subjects where the demand for new teachers is highest.

“We are also extending the Iaith Athrawon Yfory incentives to help increase the numbers teaching Welsh and through the medium of Welsh, to help us achieve our aims in Cymraeg 2050.

“These incentives of up to £20,000, with an additional £5,000 available for Welsh-medium teachers, will help recruit the best teachers we can and support them on their career pathway. Maintaining a strong and skilled teaching workforce is essential to achieving our ambitions in our new National Mission for education in Wales.”

Further information

Further information about the incentives can be found here.

The National Approach to Professional Learning is the single biggest investment in Wales’ teachers since devolution began. The ground-breaking £24million package - announced by a Welsh Liberal Democrat Minister - aims to support schools deliver the new curriculum and prioritise the wellbeing of teachers.

‘Professional Teaching Awards Cymru’ were set up in 2016, months after Kirsty Williams became Education Minister. The awards recognise best practice, celebrating the teaching profession in Wales. You can read more about the awards here.

The National Academy for Educational Leadership is reforming the way Wales supports its leaders. Its mission is “Inspiring Leaders: Enriching Lives.” You can read more about the Academy here.

Kirsty Williams AM has also announced funding to support the establishment of ‘School Business Managers’, designed to support teachers with workload and spend more time with pupils. Read more about the initiative here.