Our ex-servicemen and women have a wealth of experience and expertise that can be shared in the classroom. That's why military veterans are to be offered a £40,000 bursary to retrain as biology, chemistry, computing, maths or modern languages teachers.
From September, all ex-servicemen and women will be able to apply for the money to do a teaching degree as long as they have the relevant A-levels.
The Department of Education hopes the veterans will bring a fresh perspective to their schools.
It means children could be taught by heroes from some of our most gruelling recent conflicts, including Afghanistan and Iraq.
The bursaries will be available for those who want to teach biology, chemistry, computing, maths or modern languages – subjects with teacher shortages.
Education secretary Damian Hinds said: ‘Our ex-servicemen and women … have a wealth of experience and expertise that can be shared in the classroom, teaching pupils the knowledge they need to succeed alongside vital skills, such as leadership and self-discipline.’
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson added: ‘Through leadership, teamwork and problem-solving, veterans are ideally suited for a career in teaching once they leave the Armed Forces.’