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Teacher training scholarships

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Teacher training scholarships

Funding talented individuals entering chemistry teacher training in England.

Applications are now open for the 2026/27 academic year.

If you have a passion for chemistry and want to inspire the next generation of scientists, then a teacher training scholarship from the ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø of Chemistry can help you on your way.

Each year we award tax-free funding to up to 120 talented individuals entering chemistry teacher training in England.

Our Initial Teacher Training (ITT) Scholarship scheme is run in partnership with the .

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Hear from our teacher training scholars

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Teacher training scholarships

The best thing about being a scholar

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Teacher training scholarships

The benefits of the scholarship

You can find out more about the scholarship scheme and hear from previous scholars in our . Hear what coaches have to say and find out what support they provide.

Our teacher training scholarship scheme is a government-funded in England. Applicants must:

  • meet the bursary eligibility criteria as set out in the

The benefits of a scholarship

As an ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø scholar, you’ll receive both financial and practical support to help you make the most of your studies and thrive in your career. Benefits include:

  • £31,000 tax-free funding from the Department for Education
  • free classroom materials including books, posters and a lab coat
  • mentoring by an expert chemistry teacher
  • programme of Professional Development events (covering hands-on practical training)
  • free online courses on key concepts in teaching chemistry
  • networking opportunities with the scholar community
  • opportunities to engage with the ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø of Chemistry beyond the scholarship year

Our scholars also get free membership of the ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø of Chemistry for two years. This includes:

  • termly magazine, with news, reviews and opinions written by teachers for teachers
  • access to national and regional networks for chemistry teachers and trainee teachers
  • up to a third off books from top scientific publishers
  • assistance if you need it from our Chemists' Community Fund

Register for our upcoming webinars

Day in the life of a chemistry teacher

Tuesday 25 November, 12:30 - 13:30 GMT

Learn all about the ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø's scholarship programme, including eligibility, benefits, and how to apply. Plus hear from current chemistry teachers as they share what a typical day looks like in the classroom, offering real-world insights into the profession.

Excellence in Scholarship Applications: Strategies for Success

Wednesday 17 December, 12:00 - 13:00 GMT

If you’re applying, or thinking about applying, for the scholarship, this webinar is your chance to hear directly from the ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø team, ask questions, and gain practical guidance to boost your chances of success.

Eligibility

Our teacher training scholarship scheme is a government-funded in England. Applicants must:

  • meet the bursary eligibility criteria as set out in the
  • intend to take up a training place on a fee-based (non-salaried) secondary teaching course that leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) (pre-16), to receive scholarship funding and you are not eligible for funding if you plan to take up a place on a QTLS course. for the 2026-27 academic year
  • hold chemistry or related degree with a proven or predicted grade of 2:1 or above, in exceptional circumstances, we may consider graduates with a 2:2 and significant relevant experience
  • be classified as a 'home fee' student. The ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø of Chemistry teacher training scholarship scheme is a government-funded in England. Students with an 'overseas fee' status are not eligible to apply
  • be a student eligible to receive grants and loans towards tuition fees or living costs as set out in the
  • not have previously applied for a scholarship in the same academic year

Please also visit for more information and read .

What we look for in a candidate

We welcome applications from those exploring a career change, as we believe your experiences since graduating could be valuable to becoming a teacher.

Throughout the application process, we look for the following in candidates:

  • an excellent understanding of chemistry
  • an appreciation of the importance of chemistry education for learners and society
  • a realistic understanding of teaching as a career
  • a willingness to engage in reflective professional development
  • a committed intention to teach in state-funded schools in England, once qualified
  • effective interpersonal skills (including communication and skills for productive working relationships)
  • the empathy, respect and humility needed to relate well to pupils, colleagues and parents/guardians
  • an ability to explain complex chemistry ideas effectively for secondary school pupils
  • an ability to inspire secondary school pupils to take an interest in chemistry

Applicants will only be eligible for an ITT bursary or scholarship if they’re entitled to ‘home fee’ status and financial support under the student finance criteria.

EU nationals resident in the UK before the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020, and who qualify for pre-settled status or settled status under the , will continue to be eligible for home fee status, student financial support and ITT bursaries/scholarships. This will be on a similar basis to domestic students, subject to meeting the usual residence requirements. You can contact Student Finance England to check your eligibility.

You may also find the following links useful:

How to apply

Applicants will need to complete our online application, which requires:

  • personal details, including academic background and qualification, and contact details for someone who has agreed to provide a reference for you
  • Written answers to three questions which will assess your suitability for the scholarship. Please give specific examples, and refer to what we look for in the candidates' section

Applicants with an international degree will also need to upload documentary evidence from confirming the degree is comparable to a UK Bachelor's degree. Guidance is available from the DfE’s helpline on 0800 389 2500.

  • We strongly recommend that you practice for the chemistry test before you start the application process, using and
  • As we are not an ITT provider, receiving an ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø scholarship does not secure you a place with a teacher training provider
  • It is your responsibility to secure a training place on an eligible course
  • You can search all available courses in England using the
  • Only non-salaried courses leading to QTS are compatible with the ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø scholarship
  • The number of training places available each year is limited and available places are expected to fill up well in advance of courses starting for the 2026-27 academic year

There are regular deadlines to apply each month from January to July. 

2025 Round 1

  • Applications open: 1 December 2025
  • Applications close: 31 December 2025

2026 Round 2

  • Applications open: 1 January 2026
  • Applications close: 31 January 2026

2026 Round 3

  • Applications open: 1 February 2026
  • Applications close: 28 February 2026

Apply now

Log in or register to create an application. 

Contact our education team

We're here to help. Get in touch with any queries about available funding. Please ensure you state which grant your enquiry is about in your email.