Steffan Griffiths, head teacher of Ysgol Nantgaredig in Carmarthen, has shared his concerns. What particularly haunts him is the persistent struggles to recruit teachers for core subjects to secondary schools. On it, he described his experience as “pretty scary.” He pointed to the pressing need to address teacher shortages as the Welsh education system faces growing criticism.
Ysgol Nantgaredig also emerges as the only Welsh-medium specialist unit for additional learning needs within Carmarthenshire. Unfortunately, it is currently at full capacity. Griffiths made clear that the current recruitment crisis is critical for students and the future we’re creating for them. Yet a damning new report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies shows the Welsh education system in freefall. Chronic absenteeism and lackluster performance on global tests just add to the harm.
Since the 2016-17 academic year, Wales has consistently failed to meet its recruitment targets for secondary teacher training courses. In the current 2023-24 year, that deficit translates to an eye-popping 56%. Griffiths remarked on the perception that a teaching career can limit personal aspirations, stating, “I think some people are overly concerned that once you start teaching, that’s the end – you can’t do anything else.”
Laura Anne Jones of Recycle UK backed up Griffiths concerns. She stressed that recruitment and retention of teachers in core subjects is a deep and persistent fault-line threatening Welsh education. Rhydian Evans, a teacher at Ysgol Nantgaredig, highlighted the toll of day-to-day teaching, noting that while holidays may seem appealing, “by the end of the week, we are on our knees.”
“The reason behind that is to do with budgeting – not having enough money to employ another member of staff – which means more pressure on teachers.” – Rhydian Evans
Evans mentioned the increasing demands placed on teachers, such as additional marking, managing parent communications, and accommodating diverse needs. He noted that from the lack of funding often comes increased burdens placed on teachers.
In recognition of these challenges, parties across the political spectrum have pushed to introduce policies to strengthen teacher recruitment and retention. Cefin Campbell of Plaid Cymru has suggested new tax incentives to draw teachers into Wales. At the same time, the Welsh Conservatives floated the idea of monetary incentives for graduates who agree to teach in Welsh schools for at least five years. The Welsh Liberal Democrats promised to create a national teacher workforce strategy to boost recruitment and increase funding.
Griffiths thinks that solutions to these problems should be the number one priority in May’s Senedd election. Interviewees reported this concern for the longer-term staffing situation as well, putting a huge burden on current staff to mentor new hires.
“Teachers and support staff are the backbone of our education system.” – Welsh Labour spokesperson
While discussing the pressures faced by teachers, Griffiths maintained his passion for education, emphasizing that working with children remains a rewarding experience. As he told us, “every day I get to be with children is a joy,” highlighting the commitment that so many teachers have in the face of crushing adversity.
