The latest postgraduate application figures from the graduate teacher training registry (GTTR) showed a 36 per cent increase in applications from men in England wishing to enter primary teacher training compared to the same period last year.

As of 24 January 2003 out of a total of 16,117 postgraduate applicants to the graduate teacher training registry 2,798 men had applied to enter primary teacher training this year compared to 2,062 in 2002.

The TTA's Director of teacher supply and recruitment Mary Doherty said of the GTTR statistics:

'The greatly improved statistics for male applications to primary teacher training are very encouraging. We have targeted men to apply for primary teacher training, pointing out the pay benefits, opportunities for career progression and the chance for men to use their knowledge and talents in helping young people pursue their learning. '

The TTA has a strategic objective of recruiting more men into primary teacher training and has targeted male applicants through communications such as advertising, press and direct marketing material.

Applicants who are interested in applying for teacher training can do so at the GTTR website.

For information on primary teaching you can access the TTA website.

Media enquiries

TTA Press Office Tel: 020 703 8080
Out of hours: 07771 934629
e-mail: pressoffice@teach-tta.gov.uk

TTA Media Support Team

Claire Barry / Dan Davies
Tel. 020 7269 7122/7293
e-mail: claire.barry@fd.com / dan.davies@fd.com

Notes to editors

1. To see examples of the TTA's marketing material aimed at attracting men to apply for primary teacher training call the TTA press office on 0207 023 8080/8081.
2. The teacher training agency (TTA) was created in 1994 to raise standards in schools by attracting able and committed people into teaching and improving the quality of teacher training.