The UK government faces a pressing challenge to recruit 6,500 new teachers in England by the end of its term, as highlighted in a recent report. With teacher trainee numbers dropping from 94% of the government's target last year to 88% this year, the urgency to address this shortfall has intensified. The National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) predicts a further decline in recruitment for subjects like English next year, exacerbating the situation.
Despite a 3% increase in teacher numbers since 2015, pupil numbers have surged by 15% within the same period. This mismatch has resulted in more students being placed in class sizes exceeding 30, straining the current educational infrastructure. The government has proposed a 2.8% pay rise for teachers this year, but the National Education Union is currently balloting members on potential industrial action over this initial offer.
Teaching unions are advocating for a fully-funded pay rise next year, alongside a 6.1% increase over the next two years, aligning with NFER’s recommendations. The government is awaiting the review body's recommendation before finalizing its decision on pay adjustments. Jack Worth from the NFER emphasized the critical nature of the upcoming spending review in June, stating:
"The spending review in June is a real now or never moment. Not taking that opportunity will really risk not delivering [on the 6,500 promise] and not having anything to show the electorate at the end of the parliament." – Jack Worth
The current educational climate has led some schools to increase GCSE class sizes slightly in subjects such as maths and science, while others have had to cut classes entirely, like human biology. Despite these challenges, schools maintain their reputation as key to recruiting new teachers, with word of mouth serving as "the single best recruiter" according to educators.
Starting salaries for teachers have recently risen to £30,000, with an average pay rise of 5.5% last year fully funded by the government. Nevertheless, recruitment targets remain unmet. The government plans to invest £233 million next year to attract more trainee teachers to fill shortages in critical subjects.
Jack Worth also highlighted the significance of enhancing teacher recruitment through various measures:
"Pay increases above average earnings", reducing teacher workload and bursaries and career retention payments are all important for attracting more teachers." – Jack Worth
