They each rise by about 100 places - maths to 2,442 and science to 3,325.  Both are now supported by enhanced financial incentives and help for people who need to boost their subject knowledge before they begin training. The TTA will also encourage more training opportunities in maths, science and other priority subjects through the graduate teacher programme (GTP).

The total of 34,962 mainstream training places for 2005-06 – 19,155 secondary and 15,807 primary – includes about 2,200 places on flexible or distance learning courses, enabling people to combine training with their current careers or circumstances. There will also be about 6,900 places through employment-based routes.

The decisions come in the light of a TTA survey showing that 41,300 people - the highest since 1975 - are starting teacher training this year.

TTA Chief Executive Ralph Tabberer said:

'The training places for the next academic year seek to meet the continuing demand for more maths and science teachers, while also taking into account the impact of falling school rolls.

'Our priority will be to ensure that those training organisations which offer the best quality have the places they require. That will help us to continue to drive up standards in initial teacher training.

'Meanwhile, our recruitment campaign 'Use your head. Teach’ will continue to be aimed at people with the commitment and ability to teach maths, science and other priority subjects, and are looking for the intellectual stimulation and enjoyment of working with children.'

Notes for editors

The total number of accredited providers of initial teacher training for 2005/06 is 236, comprising 134 mainstream and 104 Designated Recommending Bodies offering employment-based routes. They include three new school-centred providers –Bournemouth,Pooleand East Dorset SCITT, Durham Secondary SCITT and Hastings and Rother SCITT.

The largest providers include:  Primary:

Canterbury Christ Church University, Manchester Metropolitan University, Roehampton University, Liverpool Hope University College, and Oxford Brookes University.  Secondary: Canterbury Christ Church University, Edge Hill College of Higher Education, Institute of Education, Manchester Metropolitan University, and Sheffield Hallam University. Details of individual allocations are available on the TTA website.

The department for education and skills announced on13 December 2004that the number of training places on mainstream courses in 2005/6 should be 34,300.  However, the TTA has set the total number of places for 2005/6 at 34,962 in order to offer providers maximum flexibility to recruit the number of new teachers needed, particularly in priority subjects. This is 838 fewer places than last year.

Trainee teachers in maths and science at secondary level may qualify for a bursary worth £7,000, increased from £6,000. New teachers in those subjects also qualify for a taxable £5,000 golden hello.

Courses designed to enable potential trainees in England from a wider degree base to develop a deeper understanding of mathematics, physics or chemistry in order to meet the requirements for initial teacher training have been piloted with a view to expanding them across the country. Interested graduates can obtain details from the teaching information Line (0845 6000 991).

The TTA announced on 26 November that its annual census showed the number of people starting initial teacher training courses in England this year is expected to total 41,300 – 34,400 in mainstream training and 6,900 on employment-based routes. The total is 700 more than last year and the highest since 1975.

Media enquiries

TTA Press office Tel: 020 7023 8080 / 8081

Out of hours: 07771 934629

email: pressoffice@teach-tta.gov.uk

Teaching enquiries

People interested in becoming a teacher should visit Get into teaching link, or contact the Teaching Information Line (tel: 0845 6000 991 – 992 for Welsh speakers).

General TTA enquiries:

0870 4960 123

ALLOCATION OF MAINSTREAM INITIAL TEACHER TRAINING PLACES 2006/06: PROVISIONAL BREAKDOWN

 

Training providers may request changes in detailed individual allocations until the end of January 2005