Training bursary

If you take a returners course, you can get a tax-free training bursary. You will receive £150 per week for the duration of the course, up to a maximum of £1,500. You can also get help with the cost of childcare or caring for a dependant relative:

• up to £150 per week for children aged up to five (up to a maximum of £1,800 per child) 
• up to £70 per week for children aged between five and 14 (up to a maximum of £840 per child).

Some course providers will pay the money in weekly instalments; others will pay monthly. The payments will not be taxed at source.

ChildcareLink can provide information about childcare in your area.

Career development loans

These are sponsored by the Department for Children, Schools and Families. They provide financial assistance for people doing vocational training.

The Return to Teaching programme contacts can also provide information on financial support and funding for returners courses.

Am I eligible for a return to teaching course?

Return to teaching courses are available to non-serving teachers who have qualified teacher status (QTS) and who have not taught regularly in schools in England for at least one year.

You can also apply if you are a former teacher from a country in the European Economic Area (EEA).

If you have QTS with a DfES (now DCSF, formerly DfEE) number, your qualification should be valid. If you’re not sure, contact the General Teaching Council.

Return to teaching courses are generally not suitable for teachers wanting to convert from one phase to another. However, if you already have some experience of teaching in the phase you want to convert to, talk to your course provider.

If you meet the above criteria, you will be able to register your interest with the Returning to Teach programme.