The extension courses enable graduates to learn a second language so that they are able to teach two languages to pupils up to the age of 14. The intensive 14-week full-time courses are free for graduates who have either a language degree or are native speakers. Included in the course is a two-week structured study visit to France or Germany.

Increased tax-free training bursaries of £225 per week are available to participants for the duration of the course. There are 225 places on courses starting at selected institutions around the country in May and June.

To be eligible for a place on an extension course, candidates must have secured a place on an accredited secondary initial teacher training programme.

Mike Watkins, director of teacher recruitment at the TDA said:

"People who can teach two languages are in high demand by schools. If you're a graduate considering a career in teaching, then an extension course will help you quickly master a second language.

"More than 30 languages are now being taught in schools and with 234 specialist language schools in England, there are excellent opportunities for linguists to make use of their degree knowledge and languages skills. Teaching also offers competitive pay and benefits and helping children get to grips with a foreign language is hugely rewarding."

Once a pre-training course has been completed, eligible trainees on postgraduate courses may be entitled to a training bursary worth £9,000. Newly qualified teachers (NQTs) with a PGCE in languages may also be eligible for a taxable 'golden hello' payment worth £2,500 after successfully completing their induction period.

To find out more, visit www.teach.gov.uk/extension.

Notes to editors

This news release applies to England only.

For more information about how to become a teacher, visit www.teach.gov.uk.  Personal advice is available from the Teaching Information Line on 0845 6000 991 – 992 for Welsh speakers (minicom 01245 45 43 43).

From 1 September 2007 a newly qualified teacher (NQT) will start on a salary of at least £20,133 (£24,168 in inner London). The pay scale for good, experienced classroom teachers who have 'crossed the threshold' rises to £34,281 outside London and £41,004 in inner London.  Additional allowances may be paid to teachers considered to be excellent, and to those who take on management and other responsibilities. The pay scale for head teachers can rise to over £90,000 depending on size of school. Further details are available at www.teach.gov.uk/payandbenefits.

Eligible trainees on postgraduate initial teacher training (ITT) courses in England are entitled to a tax-free training bursary worth £6-9,000. Newly qualified teachers with a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) in maths and science may also be eligible for a ‘golden hello’ payment worth £5,000 (taxed) after successfully completing their induction period. Those with a PGCE in modern languages, English or drama, design and technology, information and communications technology, music and religious education may receive £2,500. Details are available on the TDA website at www.teach.gov.uk/funding.
 
The graduate teacher programme (GTP) enables people to train to become a teacher while employed in a school. Details of employment based routes can be viewed at www.teach.gov.uk/routes.

Data collected by the TDA shows that close to 40,000 people are beginning teacher training in the academic year 2006/07.

The TDA was established under the Education Act 2005 and was formerly known as the Teacher Training Agency. Its principal aim is to secure an effective school workforce that improves children’s life chances.

Media enquiries

TDA media relations team
Tel: 020 7023 8080
Out of hours: 07771 934629
E-mail: mediarelations@tda.gov.uk

Teaching enquiries

People interested in becoming a teacher should visit www.teach.gov.uk or contact the Teaching Information Line (tel: 0845 6000 991 – 992 for Welsh speakers; minicom: 01245 454343)

General TDA enquiries

Tel: 0870 4960 123