EEF responds to NFER's new Teacher Labour Market research

Professor Becky Francis CBE, Chief Executive of the Education Endowment Foundation, said:

“Today’s findings from NFER throw the recruitment and retention crisis facing our education system into sharp relief. 

 “High-quality teaching is the most powerful lever we have to improve outcomes, particularly for socio-economically disadvantaged pupils. But with applications for initial teacher training falling by a fifth compared to their pre-Covid levels, and schools posting 93% more vacancies compared with the same period before the pandemic, NFER’s research suggests that many schools are struggling.

 “NFER are right to recognise that teacher pay  – which IFS data shows has fallen in real terms since 2010 – is an issue. Research suggests that better financial rewards – such as bonuses and enhanced pay – can attract teachers to take up roles in more challenging schools. 

 “The quality of support and training offered throughout their working lives, particularly to early career teachers who make up over a quarter of the teaching workforce in England, is also crucial. Schools are doing all they can to improve outcomes for the children in their care. But they can’t function effectively without full teams of well-supported staff."