Nearly half (46 per cent) of recent science and maths graduates are unhappy in their job because they cannot use the knowledge and skills gained in their degree subject, according to statistics released today by the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA).

The research highlights the disparity between the expectations of science and maths graduates versus the reality of the workplace. Seventy-five per cent of graduates expected to use their degree with the majority spending up to £20,000 in tuition fees to invest in their future career. However, 38 per cent say they rarely or never get to actually use it in their profession.

The TDA conducted the survey to see whether graduates with a maths or science degree feel what they studied at degree level has been relevant to their career path.

The news comes ahead of a renewed campaign by the TDA to urge science and maths graduates frustrated by not using their degree subjects in their current jobs to consider a career in teaching. Encouragingly, 55 per cent of those surveyed feel that teaching is a profession that would allow them to grow their knowledge of their degree subject.

TDA Chief Executive, Graham Holley, said:

“It has been a challenge for generations to attract the number of maths and science graduates we need into teaching. But our research shows that there is a veritable untapped goldmine of maths and science teachers out there with a great knowledge of - and commitment to - their subject.

“Science and maths teachers get to use their knowledge daily, often in creative and rewarding ways. They are privileged to be able to pass on their passion for their subject. And up-to-the-minute professional development can keep a teacher’s subject knowledge at the cutting edge. Too many talented individuals waste their skills and knowledge in dead-end jobs without the rewards that teaching can bring.

If you’ve already got a maths or science degree, you could be just a year away from a rewarding career that makes the most of your talent.”

The TDA is aiming to recruit up to 6,000 teachers with a science and maths background for the next school year. Teachers entering the profession on these subjects can attract a ‘golden hello’ of up to £5,000.

Matt Fox, a former astrophysicist who now teaches science at St. Birinus School in Didcot said:

“Becoming a teacher has given me the opportunity to pass on my scientific knowledge to a new generation of scientists - and while the switch was a big decision, I've not regretted it for a second. It's great to work with students on a subject I'm so passionate about, and to be part of the development of the next generation of scientists. I'd recommend it to anyone who is enthusiastic about the importance of science in the modern world and urge them to remember clearly what made them choose a science degree in the first place.”

Information about becoming a teacher is available on the TDA’s website www.teach.gov.uk or by calling the Teaching Information Line on 0845 6000 991.

Media enquiries (Munro & Forster)

Contact: John Coventry
Tel: 020 7815 3900
Mobile: 07984 108027
E-mail: john.coventry@munroforster.com

General TDA enquiries

Contact: Katie Robinson
Tel: 020 7023 8020
E-mail: katie.robinson@tda.gov.uk

Notes to editors

• ICM interviewed 200 maths and science graduates who graduated up to three years ago. 
• Maths and science teachers who have changed careers to become teachers are available for interview.
• The Training and Development Agency for Schools was established under the Education Act 2005. Its principle aim is to secure an effective school workforce that improves children’s life chances.
• from September 2008, qualified teachers start on a minimum salary of £20,627 a year (or £25,000 if you work in inner London).
• Tax-free bursaries of up to £9,000 are also in place to enable jobseekers to study for a teaching qualification. Classroom teachers can progress to a salary of £34,000 or more (£41,000 in London).  Advanced skills teachers can earn up to £53,155.
• Personal advice is available from the Teaching Information Line on 0845 6000 991 – 992 for Welsh speakers (minicom 0117 9156645).