The government is expected to miss its own target for trainee teacher recruitment for the third year in a row, which could create a huge shortfall. Some analysts speculate that by 2017, there will be 27,000 fewer teachers than is required.

Shadow education secretary Tristram Hunt claimed that if this continues, schools will have no other option but to increase class sizes.

Speaking to the Guardian, he said that the coalition government's efforts under David Cameron to attract more individuals to the sector have failed, stating that they are "storing up trouble for our schools".

"This, alongside his decision to allow schools to permanently employ unqualified teachers and the crisis in primary school places that is leading soaring class sizes, shows just how deeply his Tory-led government is damaging standards for children," Mr Hunt added.

"He urgently needs to get a grip over his education policies and put an end to the crises in primary school places and teacher supply that his government is creating."

A Department for Education spokesperson responded by saying that in 2013, the government recruited 99 per cent of the teachers it needed and is still confident that it will recruit enough in 2014.

The spokesperson added that pay has been reformed, meaning that headteachers can "reward the most effective teachers", especially those who "get the best out of their pupils".

"We are continuing to find ways to reduce unnecessary paperwork and make it easier for teachers to do the job they came into teaching to do – inspiring the next generation," the spokesperson highlighted.

"It is understood that the National College for Teaching and Leadership will shortly be launching a new recruitment campaign for the sector, called Your Future Their Future, to address the shortfalls."

Speaking about the recruitment of teachers in September, education secretary Nicky Morgan said that the government is keen to "encourage more talented people into the profession".

More financial incentives are being offered to widen the pool of candidates, including bursaries and scholarships worth up to £25,000 tax free.