An evaluation of a trial which forgives student loan repayments for teachers in shortage subjects and supply cold spots has found no “strong evidence” that it aids retention.
The report by CFE Research into the teacher student loan reimbursement scheme found its influence on teachers’ career choices was “subtle”, and that its impact was “limited” for staff who had concerns over workload and their work-life balance.
Proposals to forgive teachers’ student loan repayments were first promised in the Conservatives’ 2017 general election manifesto. A pilot in 26 areas was announced later that year.
Teachers who qualified between 2013 and 2021 and spend at least half of their time teaching languages, biology, chemistry, computing or physics are eligible to claim back repayments for up to 11 financial years into their teaching careers.
