Teacher shortage in UK continues for fourth consecutive year
The government risks a growing shortage of teachers across the UK after having missed its target for recruitment for the fourth year in a row, according to a new report released by the National Audit Office.
The report states that the government has little knowledge about how to deal with the shortage, saying the Department for Education "has a weak understanding of the extent of local teacher supply shortages and whether they are being resolved", thanks to taking the wrong approach.
"The department takes a national approach to recruitment but has more to do to understand important local and regional issues," it continues.
Overall, the report shows that teacher numbers in the UK have kept pace with the rises seen in the number of pupils attending British schools, but teacher shortages are still growing, particularly in poorer areas and in secondary schools.
It gave the example of physics lessons, 28 per cent of which are now taught in British schools by teachers who have no more than an A-level in the subject themselves.
Of the 17 key subjects that need new teachers in the UK, the study found that as many as 14 have unfilled training positions in the current academic year.
It also showed statistics for changing demographics, which stated that 54 per cent of headteachers in schools with a large proportion of disadvantaged pupils, struggle with finding and keeping on board good teachers. This is compared to 33 per cent of headteachers in schools that do not have as many disadvantaged pupils.
Authors of the report from the National Audit Office said the government's decision to broaden training routes for teachers is problematic in itself, potentially discouraging applicants by being confusing.
And despite spending an annual £700 million on training, it continues to miss targets that it increases year after year.
"Until the department meets its targets and can show how its approach is improving trainee recruitment, quality and retention, we cannot conclude that the arrangements for training new teachers are value for money," said National Audit Office head Amyas Morse.
