22 candidates attend celebratory event hosted by John Bercow MP in the Speaker’s House
The University of Buckingham is today unveiling the 22 teachers who have secured fully funded teacher training, ranging from PGCE through to Masters in Educational Leadership. 19 schools across Buckinghamshire County Council are benefitting from the fully-funded training, and the successful candidates are attending a celebratory event in the Palace of Westminster, hosted by local MP and Speaker, The Rt Hon John Bercow MP.
As one of the leading providers of teacher training in the country, the University’s School of Education launched the £100,000 scholarship earlier in the year, offering fully funded qualifications to state schools in the county. The Scholarship Scheme will support 5 PGCEs, 5 Post Graduate Certificates in Middle Leadership and 12 Masters Degrees in Educational Leadership.
Professor Geraint Jones, Dean of Education says, “Buckinghamshire schools are in the bottom 10% when it comes to funding, and given our reputation in the field of teacher training, we wanted to give something back to local schools. We have been overwhelmed with the response to the new Scholarship Scheme; originally we had in mind that we would offer 20 fully funded places in total, but we have extended this to 22, given the strength of the applications.
“Many congratulations to all successful candidates – we very much look forward to welcoming them onto their new courses in September, and I have every confidence that the training they receive will equip them well for the next stage of their careers in education.”
The Scholarship cohort includes three headteachers who have all successfully applied for the Masters in Educational Leadership. They include Suzanne Best from Great Kingshill Combined School; Joanne Divers from Turnfurlong Junior School and Sharon Jarrett from Amersham School.
Rachel Smith, Head of Beaconsfield High School, attended the event with colleague, Gemma Davies, a Middle Leadership scholarship candidate, and says, “This is a spectacular start to a very exciting opportunity that not only begins building a better future for my staff, but also will, without doubt, benefit all of our pupils.”
