Key shortages in teacher recruitment
New figures published by the Department for Education have highlighted several areas of the school curriculum that have failed to attract sufficient new teacher numbers during 2016/17.
According to the government's Initial Teacher Training census for the academic year 2016 to 2017, recruitment against the Teacher Supply Model (the number of placements needed to ensure there are no shortages within the coming year) was down in a range of subjects in England.
Overall, just four subject areas saw sufficient new entrants in the current academic year, these were: geography (116 per cent), biology (115 per cent), history (112 per cent) and primary (100 per cent). In all other school subjects, new teacher starts fell below the 100 per cent requirement.
The report did show that in most subject areas this shortfall was only marginal. For example, recruitment of new chemistry and English teachers achieved 99 and 98 per cent fulfilment respectively in 2016/17.
However, in other areas of the curriculum there were a number of results that could prove difficult reading for the profession during the coming months. This includes the fact that just 81 per cent of physics teachers were successfully recruited; just 75 per cent of new teachers for non-EBacc subjects; and just 68 per cent for computing.
It means that in many subject areas there could be an insufficient number of trained and qualified teachers in the coming years, as the pipeline of teacher training runs its course and these new starters make their way into full-time teaching jobs across England.
Overall, the total number of new entrants into postgraduate Initial Teacher Training (ITT) in England stood at 27,229. This represented a minor reduction from the level of 27,761 that was recorded in the academic year 2015/16.
Of the new entrants in academic year 2016/17, 27,053 were actual new entrants and 176 were forecast trainees (those who had committed to training but not yet started). Meanwhile, the sector also witnessed an influx of 5,195 new entrants to undergraduate ITT - this compared to a previous-year total of 5,500.
Sign up to posts
Related jobs
Salary
£95 - 120 per day
Location free text
Middleton
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Cover Supervisor
Location
Greater Manchester
Description
Looking for a rewarding role in education where no two days are the same?We are currently seeking confident, reliable, and enthusiastic Cover Supervisors to support a number of thriving secondary sc
Reference
CSNorthmanc261026
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Manchester North SecondaryAuthor
Manchester North SecondarySalary
£90 - 93 per day
Location free text
Dorchester
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Dorset
Description
KS2 1:1 Teaching Assistant - WeymouthStart Date: After Half Term | Temporary to Permanent Opportunity | Full-TimeAre you a compassionate and dedicated Teaching Assistant looking to make a real differe
Reference
1:1 TA wey
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Dorset PrimaryAuthor
Dorset PrimarySalary
£33k - 51k per year
Location free text
Weymouth
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£30,000 - £39,999
£40,000 - £49,999
£50,000 - £59,999
Sector
Maths
Location
Weymouth
Description
Maths Teacher - Weymouth - November Start Maths Teacher Required | Weymouth | November 2026 StartAre you a passionate Maths Teacher looking for your next opportunity? We are working with a welcomin
Reference
MAT
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Dorset & Hants SecondaryAuthor
Dorset & Hants SecondarySalary
£90 - 110 per day
Location free text
Bromley
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
Less than £100 per day
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Bromley
Description
Graduate Teaching Assistant – September 2026 Location: Bromley Salary: £90 – £110 per day PAYE Contract: Daily Supply, Long-Term & Permanent Start Date: Rolling 2026Graduate Teaching Assistants – Rol
Reference
Bromley TA
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Wimbledon BranchAuthor
Wimbledon BranchSalary
£90 - 93 per day
Location free text
Weymouth
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Weymouth
Description
KS2 1:1 Teaching Assistant - WeymouthStart Date: After Half Term | Temporary to Permanent Opportunity | Full-TimeAre you a compassionate and dedicated Teaching Assistant looking to make a real differe
Reference
ta / weymouth 2
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Dorset PrimaryAuthor
Dorset PrimarySalary
Market related
Location free text
Bromley
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Teacher
Location
Bromley
Description
Secondary Teachers Required – English/Science/Humanities Bromley Full-Time/Supply Positions Available Rolling Start / Immediate Opportunities £170–£250 per day (PAYE – no umbrella companies) - depend
Reference
Secondary - Brom
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Wimbledon BranchAuthor
Wimbledon BranchSalary
£140 - 225 per day
Location free text
Wirral
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Teacher
Location
Wirral
Description
Primary Supply Teachers Needed Whether you're an experienced PPA Teacher, a recently retired educator looking to stay connected to the classroom, or a qualified teacher ready to return to teaching af
Reference
PPGIER8E33E
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Liverpool Primary
Author
Liverpool PrimarySalary
£110 - 130 per day
Location free text
Chepstow
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Cover Supervisor
Location
Monmouthshire
Description
Location: Chepstow, South Wales Pay Rate: £110–£130 per day Hours: 8:30am – 3/3:30pm Contract: Academic Year ⭐ Behaviour & Classroom LeadDo you have experience in coaching, youth work, mentoring or t
Reference
MC2610CovCh
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Newport Primary & SENAuthor
Newport Primary & SENSalary
£14.25 - 14.75 per hour
Location free text
Poulton-le-Fylde
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Lancashire
Description
EYFS Teaching Assistant (General & SEN Support) – Poulton-le-Fylde Teaching Personnel are currently seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic EYFS Teaching Assistant to join a welcoming Primary School i
Reference
SJ0000
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Lancashire North PrimaryAuthor
Lancashire North PrimarySalary
£92 - 463 per week
Location free text
Hastings
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Special Needs
Location
Hastings
Description
SEND Teaching Assistants | Hastings | Develop Your Skills with Thrive Interested in SEND support work around Hastings — and keen to develop practical skills for the classroom? I’m welcoming interest
Reference
HASTTA
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Brighton SENAuthor
Brighton SENRelated posts
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD10YY
Summary
October marks Black History Month in the UK, giving schools an opportunity to celebrate the achievements, contributions and experiences of Black communities while encouraging meaningful conversati
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD10YY
Summary
As ADHD Awareness Month shines a spotlight on neurodiversity, Teaching Personnel's Ellen shares her experience of being diagnosed with ADHD later in life and how greater awareness and understandi
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
As we celebrate National Teaching Assistants' Day 2026, we're delighted to recognise the incredible individuals who have been selected as our Teaching Assistant of the Year winners.This year,
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
After a well-earned summer break, schools across the UK are opening their doors once again for a new academic year. Whether you're returning to a familiar classroom or starting a new role, Septemb
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD08YY
Summary
As schools and trusts prepare for changes to the way temporary staff are sourced from September 2026, many will look to work more closely with framework-approved recruitment partners. Understandin
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD07YY
Summary
Summer has only just started, and September might seem a long way off, but it will be here sooner than you think. Schools and trusts are already planning for September, with new opportunities open
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
Education NewsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
As schools and trusts prepare for September 2026, the shift from CCS (Crown Commercial Service) to the new GCA (Government Commercial Agency) framework marks a significant change in how supply sta
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
When schools wind down for the holidays, nurseries keep open. Many early-years settings remain open throughout the summer. Nurseries rely on skilled, caring staff to help children and
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
Exams are one of the most stressful times in the academic year, and it isn’t only pupils who feel the pressure. For teaching assistants (TAs) and support staff, exam season brings new expectations
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
If you’re considering taking the next step in education, you’re not alone. More teachers and support staff are exploring permanent roles that offer stability, progression, and a sense of belonging
by
Adam Davies
Register with us
for a choice of classroom roles
Register today
Recent job