Teacher Training Scholarships

If you have a passion for chemistry and want to inspire the next generation of scientists, then a teacher training scholarship from the Royal Society of Chemistry can help you on your way.

This year we are awarding £30,000 tax-free funding to up to 150 talented individuals entering chemistry teacher training in England in the 2024/25 academic year.

Our Initial Teacher Training (ITT) Scholarship scheme is run in partnership with the Department for Education.

The benefits of a scholarship from RSC

As an RSC scholar, you’ll receive both financial and practical support to help you make the most of your studies and thrive in your career. Benefits include:

• £30,000 tax-free funding from the Department for Education
• free classroom materials including books, posters and a lab coat
• mentoring by an expert chemistry teacher
• programme of Professional Development events (covering hands-on practical training)
• free online courses on key concepts in teaching chemistry
• networking opportunities with the scholar community
• opportunities to engage with the Royal Society of Chemistry beyond the scholarship year

Our scholars also get free membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry for two years. This includes:

• Education in Chemistry bimonthly magazine, with news, reviews and opinions written by teachers for teachers
• access to national and regional networks for chemistry teachers and trainee teachers
• up to a third off books from top scientific publishers
• assistance if you need it from our Chemists' Community Fund

Eligibility and application advice

Find out if you are eligible for our scholarship and read our advice for applicants.

• What we look for in a candidate
• Am I eligible?
• Advice for applicants
• Extra advice for overseas applicants

We welcome applications from those exploring a career change, as we believe your experiences since graduating could be valuable to becoming a teacher.

Throughout the application process, we look for the following in candidates:

• an excellent understanding of chemistry
• an appreciation of the importance of chemistry education for learners and society
• a realistic understanding of teaching as a career
• a willingness to engage in reflective professional development
• a committed intention to teach in state-funded schools in England, once qualified
• effective interpersonal skills (including communication and skills for productive working relationships)
• the empathy, respect and humility needed to relate well to pupils, colleagues and parents/guardians
• an ability to explain complex chemistry ideas effectively for secondary school pupils
• an ability to inspire secondary school pupils to take an interest in chemistry

How to apply

Applying for a scholarship from RSC is straightforward, and we offer lots of help and advice along the way. Before you begin, we recommend you read our advice to applicants.

You can apply for our scholarship before or after you have secured your teacher training place but we strongly recommend you submit your application as soon as possible.

Please note that the RSC is not an ITT provider and receiving the RSC scholarship does not secure you a place with a teacher training provider. It is your responsibility to secure a training place on an eligible course. You can search all available courses in England using the find postgraduate teacher training GOV.UK service, but note that only non-salaried courses leading to QTS are compatible with the RSC scholarship.

The number of training places available each year is limited and available places are expected to fill up well in advance of courses starting for the academic year 2024/25.