New government figures show progress towards a manifesto pledge to recruit and retain 6,500 additional teachers, with more than two-thirds of the target already achieved. The data also points to stronger teacher retention, rising pay and increased recruitment into teacher training programmes…reports Asian Lite News Desk
The government says it is on course to meet its pledge to recruit and retain an additional 6,500 teachers, after new figures showed that more than two-thirds of the target has already been achieved, with three years remaining.
Statistics published on Thursday show that 4,654 additional teachers have been recruited towards the commitment. The increase includes 3,008 more teachers in secondary and special schools, alongside a further 1,646 teachers in further education.
The government said the growth reflects a rebalancing of investment towards areas with the greatest demand. As birth rates continue to fall, pupil numbers in secondary schools are beginning to level off while more young people are moving into further education.
Teacher numbers in special schools have also increased, with an additional 1,100 teachers now working in classrooms. Ministers said the rise demonstrates a commitment to supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) through improved staffing levels.
The government has made improving teacher recruitment and retention a central part of its education strategy, arguing that access to high-quality teaching is key to raising standards and improving outcomes for pupils, regardless of their background or where they live.
The latest figures indicate that teacher retention is at its strongest level on record. According to the data, the number of teachers leaving the profession fell by 2,100 compared with the previous year, contributing to one of the lowest rates of teacher departures recorded in the school workforce census.
The figures also show a 13% increase in the number of people training to become teachers. Recruitment into science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects exceeded its target for the first time since the benchmark was introduced.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson welcomed the figures, saying: “An exceptional teacher should teach every child — and this government is determined to make that a reality in classrooms across the country.
“We’re making real progress where it’s needed most: over two-thirds of our pledge to recruit 6,500 additional teachers has already been met, fewer teachers are leaving the profession than at any point on record, and more are choosing to build long, rewarding careers in teaching.
“But we know there is more to do. We will keep working to make teaching the valued, well-rewarded profession it ought to be — so that every child, whatever their background or need, has the brilliant teacher they deserve.”
Teacher pay has also risen. Average median earnings now stand at £51,048, up 4% from the previous year.
The government said a range of financial incentives remains available to attract new entrants into the profession. Tax-free bursaries and scholarships of up to £31,000 are available in priority subjects, including chemistry, mathematics, physics and computing. Early career teachers working in disadvantaged schools in these subjects can also receive after-tax payments of up to £6,000.
Ministers highlighted a series of wider measures designed to support recruitment and retention. These include a near-10 % increase in teacher pay over two years and initiatives aimed at reducing pressure on staff and improving working conditions.
Among the measures is a new schoolteacher retention programme due to begin this autumn. The programme will provide peer support, coaching and resources to help schools address workload, wellbeing and flexible working.
The government is also introducing 93 new RISE Attendance and Behaviour Hubs. These will be led by schools with strong records on attendance and behaviour and will work with other schools to share effective practice.
