Eligibility Criteria

To apply for a Scholarship, you need to meet the following criteria:

• Be eligible for student finance (please see the eligibility section of our FAQ page for more information)


• You have, or are expected to achieve:
  • A first or 2:1 undergraduate degree, or a postgraduate degree (MSc, MRes, MPhil or PhD), or;
  • A 2:2 undergraduate degree, and also have significant relevant experience.


• You meet one of the following:
  • Have, or are studying for, a degree with strong mathematical content (e.g. mathematics, physics, engineering)
  • Have a degree with strong mathematical content (e.g. mathematics, physics, engineering) and will complete, or have completed, a Maths Subject Knowledge Enhancement Course (SKE) of any duration prior to September 2025
  • Have a non-mathematical degree and will complete, or have completed, a Maths Subject Knowledge Enhancement Course (SKE) of a minimum of 20 weeks in duration prior to September 2025
  • Have a non-mathematical degree with extensive mathematical professional experience


• Ultimately, secure a training place on an eligible Secondary Mathematics PGCE or unsalaried School Direct mathematics course in England which leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) status for the 2025/26 academic year

At the following two stages of the application process; the initial application and Assessment, we also look for candidates to meet the wider criteria to become a Maths Scholar, namely:

• Demonstrate a love of, and passion for, mathematics and a strong desire to share this with others
  
  
• Have excellent understanding of mathematics and the ability to explain mathematical concepts at school level
  
  
• Are interested in, and committed to, education/teaching
  
  
• An ability to inspire secondary school pupils to take an interest in mathematics
  
  
• Have the personal attributes to make a good classroom teacher and manager
  
  
• Have an understanding of the benefits that the study of mathematics will have for the learners’ careers and the major importance of mathematics to the UK economy
  
  
• A committed intention to teach in state-funded secondary schools in England, once qualified

These are aligned to the wider aims of the Mathematics Teacher Training Scholarships.

Advice on the Criteria

The application process starts by completing and submitting our online application form. Maths Scholarships are not awarded automatically to individuals who meet the eligibility criteria, an application must be submitted.

You should only start the application if you feel you have the necessary subject knowledge. If you don't feel you do, then we advise you to begin the application process for an ITT course leading to QTS, so that you can potentially be allocated a place on a SKE course. Furthermore, if you are on an SKE course we recommend applying sooner, and if invited to an Assessment, this may be towards the end of the academic year. This is to assist you with regards to the mathematical knowledge you will need to show as part of the overall assessment process.

If we are unable to determine the strong-mathematical content of your degree then you will be asked to provide a copy of your official university degree transcripts. In additional to this, you may also need to provide additional supporting information if it is not obvious from your degree transcripts if you have the level of mathematics we require.

If you have an overseas degree, please read the advice given on the Applicants with Overseas Degrees page before submitting your application.

For funding or a Scholarship you must be intending to take up a training place on a secondary teaching course that leads to QTS (pre-16). Trainees who take up a teacher training place on a course that leads to Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills Status (QTLS) are not eligible for funding or a Scholarship as QTLS is a Further Education qualification (post-16).

Application deadlines 

Applications are OPENING SOON for those commencing their mathematics initial teacher training course in 2025/26.