Bigger cash lure for maths teachers

A fresh drive to tackle worrying shortages of qualified teachers is being launched by ministers today.

Maths and science graduates in particular are being targeted with cash incentives to sign up for teacher training. Religious education and music graduates will now qualify for "golden hellos".

School Standards Minister Jacqui Smith unveiled the package after the number of unqualified teachers soared by 500 per cent after Labour came to power.

Many London schools struggle to keep qualified staff and some sixth formers are taught maths and science by teachers who have only an A-level in those subjects. The Government introduced inducements for people with degrees in English, maths, science and modern languages into teaching five years ago.

The bursary for one-year courses in maths and science is rising from £7,000 to £9,000 but the bonus after they have completed three terms as a newly qualified teacher is being maintained at £5,000.