Survey reveals growing teacher recruitment crisis
The survey, which interviewed 97 school networks and individual schools, discovered that 52 per cent of respondents had vacancies in maths, 44 per cent had vacancies in english, and 50 per cent in science. The survey also found that 62 per cent of respondents reported difficulty recruiting teachers for non-core subjects, and 65 per cent finding recruitment more difficulty than in previous years.
Brian Lightman, ASCL general secretary, said: "We need the next government to ensure that schools and colleges can recruit and retain the highest calibre of staff. The existing teacher supply model does not work. Schools all over the country are experiencing unprecedented difficulties recruiting trainees, qualified teachers, middle and senior leaders."
The ASCL believes that the recruitment crisis may continue in the next year as a result of a fall in the number of graduates as a result of higher university tuition fees and an increase in school aged children. ASCL is drawing up a 10-point plan which proposes action by both the teaching profession and government to solve the crisis, as well as modifying the teacher supply model and proposing the launch of a profession-led campaign to attract people into teaching.
Lightman continued: "Teaching remains a great job which continues to offer people a rewarding and fulfilling career. It is vital that the profession and government work together to emphasise this positive message."
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