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 RSC are awarding £31,000 tax-free funding to up to 150 talented individuals entering chemistry teacher training in England in the 2025/26 academic year.
The Initial Teacher Training (ITT) Scholarship scheme is run in partnership with the Department for Education.
Table of Content
Summary
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Benefits
RSC are awarding £31,000 tax-free funding to up to 150 talented individuals entering chemistry teacher training in England in the 2025/26 academic year.
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:
- £31,000 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
Requirements
RSC 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, RSC 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
RSC teacher training scholarship scheme is a government-funded financial incentive to train to teach in England. Applicants must:
- meet the bursary eligibility criteria as set out in the Department for Education’s Teaching and Leadership’s bursary guidance
- intend to take up a training place on a fee-based (non-salaried) secondary teaching course that leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) (pre-16), to receive scholarship funding and you are not eligible for funding if you plan to take up a place on a QTLS course
- hold chemistry or related degree with a proven or predicted grade of 2:1 or above, in exceptional circumstances, we may consider graduates with a 2:2 and significant relevant experience
- be classified as a 'home fee' student. The Royal Society of Chemistry teacher training scholarship scheme is a government-funded financial incentive to train to teach in England. Students with an 'overseas fee' status are not eligible to apply
- be a student eligible to receive grants and loans towards tuition fees or living costs as set out in the Education (Student Support) Regulations 2011
- not have previously applied for a scholarship in the same academic year
Please also visit Get Into Teaching for more information and read the full details of eligibility for scholarships.
Interview Dates and Process
Application Deadline
July 14, 2025How To Apply
Are you qualified and interested in this opportunity? Kindly go to
Royal Society of Chemistry on www.smartsurvey.co.uk to apply
Please note that if you’re unsuccessful at any stage, you cannot reapply in the current application year.
Applicants will need to complete our online application, which requires:
- personal details, including academic background and qualification, and contact details for someone who has agreed to provide a reference for you
- a personal statement that demonstrates why you think you should be awarded a Royal Society of Chemistry Teacher Training Scholarship (1000 words max). Please give specific examples, and refer back to what we look for in the candidates' section. You will need to cover:
- why you want to be a chemistry teacher
- what skills and experience you have that would make you an exceptional chemistry teacher
- what experience you have with school-age people this could be through employment, voluntary work or hobbies
- how you think the Royal Society of Chemistry scholarship will benefit you
- a chemistry subject knowledge check with fifteen multiple-choice questions
For more details, visit RSC Scholarship webpage.
