Action needed to convert interest in teaching into recruits says NAHT

Responding to a new study by the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) which found that young people are still interested in teaching, but that reforms to the teacher experience and terms and conditions are key to addressing the recruitment and retention crisis, Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school leavers' union NAHT, said:

“Teaching can be a hugely rewarding vocation, and while it may seem counter-intuitive, this study offers welcome confirmation that interest in the profession among graduates has not waned, despite the severe recruitment and retention crisis schools are facing.

“However, it shows that the new government has much to do to help improve the reality of the job and its terms and conditions if this interest is to be converted into an influx of new teachers attracted by the promise of a fulfilling, sustainable career.

“The education secretary's pledge to recruit new teachers and also focus on retention is welcome – and it is encouraging that she is already talking about tangible action to address concerns over workload and inspection. Central to this will be the fully funded restoration of the real terms value of pay to 2010 levels over the course of the Parliament to reverse a decade and a half of real-terms cuts.”