The new Plaid Cymru Welsh government has announced a significant increase in financial incentives for graduates training to become teachers in priority subjects. The golden hello payment has been raised from £15,000 to £20,000, aiming to attract the best graduates into teaching subjects where there are shortages, such as Welsh, mathematics, and sciences.
Details of the Incentive
The £5,000 rise is part of the Welsh Government's 100-day plan and applies to the Initial Teacher Education (ITE) Priority Subject Incentive Scheme. Eligible priority subjects within secondary education include biology, chemistry, design and technology, digital technology and/or computer science, maths, international languages, physics, and Welsh.
The incentive will be paid in three installments and will be available to eligible students in the 2026/27 academic year starting in September. To qualify, students must be enrolled in a postgraduate ITE program for a priority secondary school subject and hold at least a 2:2 undergraduate degree. They are not required to train in the same subject as their degree.
Government Commitment
New cabinet minister for education and Welsh language, Anna Brychan, stated: “Education is at the heart of this new government, and we are clear that the education workforce needs to be supported to achieve our national mission for education, in raising standards and providing learners with the best foundation for their futures.” She added that alongside improving conditions for teachers and professional development, it is vital to have a sustainable workforce and encourage more people into teaching.
First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth reaffirmed the government's commitment to improving education, emphasizing the importance of retaining skilled teachers in Wales.
