Bursaries appear to have boosted the number of trainee teachers of RE in England in 2024/5

We are pleased to pass on the news that those who wish to train as teachers of Religious education in England in 2025/6 will be awarded a bursary from the government for the second successive year. Yet again, despite very poor recruitment in Wales, no such bursary is to be offered to trainees in Wales. NATRE has been campaigning for an increase in the value of the bursary, but given how early in the current government this decision was made, it is perhaps unsurprising that trainees will continue to be offered £10,000 which will usually cover the fees for their course.

We are awaiting an announcement on whether the subject knowledge enhancement grants, so vital for RE recruitment, will be funded. We recruit a significant number of trainees who do not have a degree in RE or a related subject, and who need a subject knowledge boost to be accepted for training.
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