Initial Teacher Training Bursary for Music Cut

Music Mark is disappointed to learn that the government have withdrawn the provision of a bursary payment for those training to be a music teacher from the 2026/27 academic year.  

This reverses a decision made just a few years ago to offer a £10,000 bursary from 2023/24 onwards. Whilst significantly smaller in value than some subject bursaries, it was hoped that more people might train to be a music teacher thus ensuring that the decline in subject specialists could be reversed.   

Music Mark CEO, Bridget Whyte, stated ‘We are already in a teacher recruitment and retention crisis, so a decision like this will be felt across the country. The result is likely to be more schools unable to recruit teachers with the skills needed to deliver a music education. This will inevitably result in unequal access for our children and young people to the rich, broad and balanced education they are entitled to.’  

It is unclear why this recent decision has been made when the government has indicated that the Curriculum and Assessment Review would put arts subjects back at the heart of the curriculum. It also will take effect at the same time as the government’s implementation of a new National Centre for Arts and Music Education. 

Music Mark will be working with the other two Subject Associations (ISM and MTA) to seek clarification from the government on the reasons for this cut and reassurances that despite the decision and its likely impact, they remain committed to promoting and valuing music in schools.