Number of teachers in England’s state schools drops for second year in row
Despite Labour’s promises to increase recruitment, school census shows a fall of nearly 2,000 teachers since last year
TL;DR
- Teacher numbers in England's state schools fell by over 1,900 this year, marking the second consecutive year of decline.
- The Department for Education claims progress towards its pledge of recruiting 6,500 additional teachers, with reported increases in special needs, pupil referral units, and further education.
- The number of new and former teachers joining state schools is at its lowest in at least 15 years.
- Critics argue the overall fall in teacher numbers undermines government promises and that new recruit numbers are at a 30-year low.
- The number of pupils eligible for free school meals has risen by 45,000 to over 2.2 million.
- The north-east of England has the highest rate of pupils eligible for free school meals, with one in three.