- Trainee teacher numbers at highest point since pandemic,
bringing the government closer to delivering its pledge to
recruit 6,500 additional teachers
- Record numbers training in physics and computing with
government exceeding trainee target in STEM for first time
ever
- Progress is part of the government's Plan for Change to break
down barriers to opportunity, driving up standards so every child
can achieve and thrive at school
Pupils will benefit from more expert teachers next year as new
figures show record numbers of people are training to teach in
vital subjects including physics and computing.
The latest Initial Teacher Training (ITT) census data shows
strong growth in trainee numbers, with over 32,000 talented
individuals choosing teaching as a career choice – a rise of 11%
on last year – and government exceeding its target on recruitment
of STEM teachers for the first time since it was introduced in
2019.
Physics trainees are up 36%, computing up 44%, and maths up by
16%. In total, the data shows an increase of 21% in STEM subjects
– exceeding the trainee target - with 6,700 new entrants, meaning
more children will have access to high-quality, specialist
teachers, and helping to deliver on the government's manifesto
commitment to recruit and retain 6,500 additional teachers by the
end of this Parliament.
The figures build on the action government is taking to ensure
more young people can take up STEM subjects through its reforms
to the national curriculum. This includes schools being expected
to work towards offering triple science GCSE as standard,
alongside exploring a new qualification for 16–18-year-olds in
data science and AI – helping more young people succeed in the
science and tech careers that power our economy.
With thousands more people training this year than last, the
figures show growing recognition that teaching offers a unique
opportunity to make a real difference every day – inspiring young
minds, shaping futures, and transforming lives across communities
nationwide.
A recent government survey
showed pay satisfaction among teachers has almost doubled in the
past two years, from 20% in 2023 to 38% this year, following
consecutive awards totalling almost 10%.
Getting more expert teachers into classrooms is a cornerstone of
the government's Plan for Change – to break down barriers to
opportunity. Excellent teaching and high standards are essential
to helping every child achieve and thrive at school, regardless
of their background.
Education Secretary, said:
"I know first-hand the difference great teachers make – they
opened up the world to me, and they do the same for children
every single day.
"Today's figures are further evidence of the strong progress in
teacher recruitment after years of crisis, with growth in
critical STEM subjects particularly encouraging as we work to
give more children the skills and knowledge to succeed.
“It means more young people getting the expert teaching they
deserve, learning from teachers who love their subject and know
how to bring it alive in the classroom.”
The Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship (PGTA) has also proven a
popular and growing route into teaching. Offering a brilliant way
for people to gain the hands-on skills and experience they need
in the classroom from day one, helping them to become expert
teachers and build a successful career in teaching.
The figures published today provide a snapshot of new entrants to
teacher training courses in England for the 2025/26 training
year. Most of those completing their training will be qualified
to enter classrooms from September 2026.
It builds on the progress made so far to meet the government's
pledge, with over 2,300 more secondary and special school
teachers in 2024/25 compared to the previous year.
This government is taking action to recruit and retain more
talented teachers by restoring teaching as the highly valued
profession it should be, announcing pay awards of almost 10% over
two years and committing to tackling poor pupil behaviour, high
workload and poor wellbeing – the things that prevent teachers
from staying on and thriving.
The government continues to offer financial incentives of up to
£31,000 tax-free for talented individuals to train to teach to in
shortage subjects, alongside expanded Postgraduate Teaching
Apprenticeship routes that allow trainees to earn while they
learn.
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NOTES TO EDITORS
