Fledgling maths and physics teachers are to get a £2,000 bonus for working in Stoke-on-Trent's schools - as a sweetener to try to keep them in their jobs.

The payment is on top of existing bursaries and aimed at keeping them in the profession during the first five years of their careers.

School Standards Minister Nick Gibb today revealed details of the cash incentives after the money was set aside in last year's Budget.

Stoke-on-Trent has been chosen for the scheme because it is part of the Government's Opportunity Area programme.

Schools Minister Nick Gibb

Mr Gibb said: “Teaching remains a popular career and we want to make sure that we can continue to attract and keep the brightest and best graduates, particularly in subjects where specialist knowledge and expertise are vital to the future success of the economy.

“The number of young people studying science and maths subjects has increased since 2010 and we have today pledged £10 million investment to ensure teaching remains an attractive and fulfilling proposition and that every child has the opportunity to fulfil their potential.”

Stoke-on-Trent is one of 12 ‘Opportunity Areas’ across England, with the Government providing £6 million funding to improve the prospects of disadvantaged pupils over three years. The city’s Maths Excellence Partnership has resulted in improvements in maths teaching in secondary schools.

Community leaders have welcomed the golden hellos for maths and physics teachers.

Stoke-on-Trent North's Labour MP Ruth Smeeth said: "We have had problems recruiting and retaining maths and science teachers and there have been lots of schemes over the years aimed at getting people to stay in teaching for longer.

"Anything we can do to make sure our children get the best education has to be welcomed and I look forward to speaking to the teachers. We've struggled with maths in both primary and secondary schools and some schools have struggled more than others."

A Stoke-on-Trent City Council spokesman said: “We welcome the announcement of this funding from the Department for Education and look forward to working with them on this scheme and seeing how it will develop and progress.”

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