41,900 people are expected to begin training in England this year, an increase of 600 on last year, based on data collected from the universities, colleges and schools that offer initial teacher training.

The data shows:

• 33,828 people starting in mainstream training, and
• 7,892 starting on employment routes, including the Graduate Teacher Programme and another 180 on the Teach First programme.

Mainstream trainees comprise:

• 16,113 undertaking primary teacher training, and
• 17,715 undertaking secondary teacher training, including increases in science (up 131), music (54), and RE (56), but less in modern languages (down 82).

The proportion of people from diverse backgrounds has also increased:

• 3,379 people have declared themselves to be from an ethnic minority – now 10 per cent of the total, up from 9.4 per cent last year, exceeding the proportion in the general population,
• 1,585 people have declared they have a disability – now 5 per cent up from 4.1 per cent last year, and
• 2,293 men are training as primary school teachers – bringing the proportion of male trainees to 14 per cent, up from 13 per cent last year.

The TDA's executive director for initial teacher training, Graham Holley, said:

"It is very encouraging that teaching continues to attract interest at record levels as we work to meet the demands from schools. These figures are further evidence that teaching remains a top career choice for graduates, with more and more people electing to register online.

"Our campaign highlights that teaching is an intellectually stimulating and satisfying job where you work with exciting young people and with teachers and support staff in the school team.

"We acknowledge that challenges remain in some subjects at secondary level, and are making more pre-training courses available in mathematics, science and modern languages as we work with training providers to attract the highest calibre of people into the profession.'

Jacqui Smith, minister for schools, said:

"Once again we have record numbers training to be teachers and I would like to congratulate the TDA on this. My own years in teaching showed me that it is a challenging job, but it is also immensely rewarding. I believe there is no more important job in our society than teaching the country's next generation. The job offers a unique opportunity to really inspire young minds and to have a huge positive impact on their lives that will stay with them for years to come. I warmly welcome all those who have signed up for teacher training; they have made a life changing decision."

Notes for editors

The total number of people who have registered on initial teacher training (ITT) courses in England for 2005/06 is attached. The figures are provisional and are based on the TDA's ITT Trainee Numbers Census. They include providers' forecasts of trainees expected to beginning courses later during the academic year.

A newly qualified teacher (NQT) can expect to start on a salary of at least £19,161 (£23,001 in inner London). The pay scale for good, experienced classroom teachers who have 'crossed the threshold' rises to at least £30,339 outside London and £35,985 in inner London. The pay scale for head teachers can rise to over £90,000 depending on size of school.

Eligible trainees on postgraduate initial teacher training courses in England are entitled to a tax-free training bursary worth £6-9,000.

From September 2006, newly qualified teachers (NQTs) with a PGCE in maths and science may also be eligible for a taxable 'golden hello' payment of £5,000 after successfully completing their induction period. Those with a PGCE in modern languages, English or drama, design and technology, information and communications technology, music and RE may receive £2,500. Details are available at www.tda.gov.uk/recruit/thetrainingprocess/coursefunding

The Graduate Teacher Programme enables people to train to become a teacher while employed in a school. Details of employment based routes can be viewed at www.tda.gov.uk/recruit/thetrainingprocess/typesofcourse

Applications for most postgraduate initial teacher training courses are processed through the Graduate Teacher Training Registry and can be submitted online at www.gttr.ac.uk. Applications for undergraduate teacher training courses can be made via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (www.ucas.ac.uk).

For more information about how to become a teacher, see www.teach.gov.uk. Personal advice is available from the Teaching Information Line on 0845 6000 991 – 992 for Welsh speakers (minicom 01245 45 43 43).

The Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) was established under the Education Act 2005. Its purpose is to raise children's standards of achievement and promote their well-being by improving the training and development of the whole school workforce.

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