Tories plan to turn troops into teachers

Ex-soldiers would be encouraged into teaching with the promise of free training under Conservative plans unveiled at the party's conference in Birmingham today.

The move would help improve order in the classroom, according to shadow schools secretary Michael Gove.

Soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan would also be allowed to attend university for free under the Tories' proposals.

The ideas are based on experience in the US, where the Troops to Teachers programme helps former soldiers make the transition to the classroom.

Under the proposals, bursaries of £9000 would be available to 200 ex-service personnel who take postgraduate teacher training.

Anyone who has undertaken an active tour of duty would get their tuition fees paid on a first degree.

Mr Gove said he expected 1000 ex-forces men and women to take up the offer.