Shortages are still most severe in maths and science

The government is increasing money given to people training to teach maths, science and other shortage subjects.

For the first time, music and RE trainees will receive extra cash.

But teachers will have to pay top-up fees on their training courses from next year, ministers have confirmed.

From September 2006, all new entrants to post-graduate teacher-training courses (known as PGCEs) will be liable for the new variable fees which universities will be free to charge up to a limit of �3,000 a year.

However, PGCE students will be eligible for a �1,200 grant, which will not be means-tested.

Shortage subjects - �9,000 bursary maths science modern languages design & technology ICT English music RE

All post-graduate entrants to teaching receive a bursary of at least �6,000.

The changes mean all teachers of shortage subjects will get the same amount - �9,000 - as a bursary.

On top of that, there are golden hellos, which range from �5,000 for maths and science, to �2,500 for other shortage subjects such as modern languages, design and technology, English, music and RE.

Typically, a maths graduate opting to take a PGCE route into teaching will now receive a grant of �9,000 (previously �7,000) and a golden hello of �5,000 (unchanged) after they have qualified as a teacher.

According to the Graduate Teacher Training Registry, applications for maths are up 30% and for science 12% from last year, with all secondary applications up by 8%.

Minister for Schools Jacqui Smith said: "Bursaries and golden hellos have helped to ensure that there are now more teachers in our schools than at any time since 1981 and teacher vacancies have fallen progressively since 2001.

"Teaching our next generation is an immensely important job and that is why it is essential that we continue to recruit our most gifted graduates and trainees into the profession, particularly in shortage subjects such as maths and science.

"I am confident that this competitive raft of financial incentives will enable us to continue to do so."

Steve Sinnott, general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, welcomed the increase in bursaries and golden hellos but said further changes were needed.

"I congratulate the Teacher Training Agency in achieving a turnaround in student recruitment but there is no substitute for levels of pay which sustain the attractiveness of the profession over time or getting rid of student fees which have hit young people hard," he said.

"But sustaining entry to primary education must be a top priority as well."