The Department for Education (DfE) has announced the closure of the Golden Hello Scheme for all trainees starting their initial teacher training (ITT) in the academic year 2011/12 and beyond.
Trainees who started their postgraduate
ITT course before 1 August 2011 will continue to be able to make their application for the Golden Hello Scheme under the current terms and conditions.
ITT providers should give eligible teachers a golden hello application form when they complete their ITT. Providers should ensure that only eligible teachers receive an application form.
Teachers should retain their application form and submit it to their school once they have completed their induction year. Local authorities pay the golden hello to the teacher through payroll and then claim the amount back from the TDA.
Local authorities should ensure that applicants satisfy all the eligibility criteria, as stated in the guidance, before paying the golden hello incentive. To be eligible to apply for a golden hello, a teacher must:
- have undertaken their eligible postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) course in 2010/11 or before,
- comply with training eligibility criteria – relating to the type of ITT undertaken,
- comply with teaching eligibility criteria – relating to the type of teaching post occupied, and
- comply with application eligibility criteria – relating to the timing of the application.
The golden hello eligibility guide (PDF, 44KB) contains the detailed guidance regarding the incentive and rates for the academic year 2010/11.
The funding arrangements and eligibility criteria for the Golden Hello Scheme have changed significantly over the years. Applicants, providers and local authorities should refer to the appropriate eligibility guidance for the year of ITT entry. The full list of prior years' guidance can be found in the document bank.
For any further queries and to obtain copies of the Golden Hello Scheme application form for teachers, ITT providers should e-mail goldenhello@tda.gov.uk. Providers or teachers can access the golden hello eligibility tool to find out if a teacher can qualify for the incentive package.