Highest number of trainee teachers since 1975
The number of people who have decided to use their heads and become teachers has hit a new peak, the Teacher Training Agency (TTA) said today.
More than 34,400 people are beginning mainstream teacher training in England this year – the highest number since 1975. Another 6,900 people are expected to train on employment-based routes.
The figures will bring the total of new trainees to 41,300, or 700 more than last year. It is the sixth successive annual increase.
The TTA’s Chief Executive Ralph Tabberer said: “These figures represent a tremendous achievement. They underline that teaching – the profession on which all others depend – is now widely recognised as a career which offers intellectual stimulation and the day to day satisfaction of working with children.”
The TTA’s annual census of the universities, colleges and schools offering initial teacher training shows 16,537 people on primary courses – an increase of 899 on last year. And 17,885 people on secondary courses – down 405 on the previous year. The number of trainees specialising in mathematics is up four per cent and is higher than any year for which figures are recorded.
Another 4,280 people – including 296 mathematics and 402 science trainees – have been recruited already on employment-based routes including the Graduate Teacher Programme, with the final total expected to be around 6,900.
Ralph Tabberer added:
“Recruitment to secondary teacher training remains a high priority for us, as each subject presents different challenges.
“The continuing success of employment-based routes, and particularly the Graduate Teacher Programme, has ensured that we are close to delivering the number of teachers needed, even in the most challenging subjects.
“Early data from our new recruitment campaign ‘Use your head. Teach’, shows that every day on average, 117 people who could start teacher training next year register their interest– nine per cent more than last year.
“We will continue to work with training providers to recruit more high calibre trainees and deliver quality teacher training, to ensure every child has the opportunity to fulfil their potential. “
Schools Minister David Miliband said:
“Good teachers are at the heart of Government’s programme for school reform and are uniquely placed to make a difference to the lives of young people. That is why the Government has introduced measures to make teaching more attractive as a career. The fact that we have the highest number of trainee teachers than at any time since 1975 is evidence that these measures are working. These recruits are now supplemented by increasing numbers of people entering teaching on employment-based routes.”
Notes for editors
The total number of people who have registered on initial teacher training (ITT) courses in England for 2004/05 is attached. The table excludes trainees on employment-based routes (EBR). The figures are provisional and are based on the TTA's ITT Trainee Numbers Census.
The registrations show that the proportion of male primary trainees (1,976) is 13 per cent. The proportion of trainees from minority ethnic backgrounds is 9.4 per cent (2,626), up from 8.8 per cent the previous year, and the proportion of trainees who have declared they have a disability is 4.5 per cent (1,429), up from 4.1 per cent.
There are around 6,900 places on employment-based routes. Approximately 4,275 people have registered to begin training, including 190 on the Teach First initiative. A further 2,600 people are expected to start in the spring or summer 2005.
There are around 6,900 places on employment-based routes. Approximately 4,275 people have registered to begin training, including 190 on the Teach First initiative. A further 2,600 people are expected to start in the spring or summer 2005.
Eligible trainees on postgraduate courses are entitled to a training bursary worth £6,000. From September 2005 those who undertake postgraduate initial teacher training in maths and science will receive a bursary of £7,000. They may also be eligible to a golden hello payment of £5,000 after successfully completing their induction. Eligible trainees in English and drama, modern languages, design and technology and ICT are entitled to golden hello payments worth £4,000 after successfully completing their induction.
Salaries for Newly Qualified Teachers starting in September 2004 are based on a pay scale which starts at £18,558 (£22,059 in inner London). The pay scale for good, experienced classroom teachers who have 'crossed the threshold' rises to £29,385 outside London and £34,851 in inner London. Additional allowances may be paid to teachers considered to be excellent, and to those who take on management and other responsibilities. The pay scale for headteachers can rise to over £90,000 depending on size of school.
Salaries for Newly Qualified Teachers starting in September 2004 are based on a pay scale which starts at £18,558 (£22,059 in inner London). The pay scale for good, experienced classroom teachers who have 'crossed the threshold' rises to £29,385 outside London and £34,851 in inner London. Additional allowances may be paid to teachers considered to be excellent, and to those who take on management and other responsibilities. The pay scale for headteachers can rise to over £90,000 depending on size of school.
Applications for most initial teacher training courses are processed through the Graduate Teacher Training Registry (GTTR) and UCAS. Applications for primary training beginning in September 2005 must be submitted by 1 December 2004 to ensure they are sent to applicants' preferred providers.
The TTA's "Use your head. Teach" campaign began in September 2003.
The Teacher Training Agency was established under the Education Act 1994. Its purpose is to raise standards in schools in England by attracting able and committed people to teaching, and by improving the quality of training for teachers and the wider school workforce.
Media enquiries
TTA Press Office Tel: 020 7023 8080
Out of hours: 0777 193 4629
email: pressoffice@teach-tta.gov.uk
Teaching enquiries
People interested in becoming a teacher should visit the TTA Website Teach, or contact the Teaching Information Line (tel: 0845 6000 991 – 992 for Welsh speakers; minicom: 01245 454343)
General TTA enquiries:
Recruitment to initial teacher training since 1998/99
Source: TTA ITT Census
