Government hits 70% of 6,500 manifesto pledge, just two years into this parliament

• Official stats released today show over 3,000 more special and secondary teachers, on top of over 1,600 in further education since 2023/24

• Fewer teachers leaving the profession, one of the lowest since records began

• Progress is backed by a 13% rise in the number of people choosing to train to teach this year – a post-pandemic record – signalling a strong pipeline for the future

The government is on track to meet its pledge to recruit and retain an additional 6,500 teachers after surpassing two thirds of its manifesto target with three years to go. 

The figures published today show the government has now recruited 4,654 additional teachers of the 6,500 pledge, with 3,008 more teachers in secondary and special schools and a further 1,646 more in further education, showing that the government is delivering on that promise.    

The increase in teachers in these areas reflect the government rebalancing and targeting investment where it is needed most. As the birth rate continues to fall, the number of pupils in secondary schools starts to plateau and more move into further education.

This is also evident in special schools, where teacher numbers have grown with 1,100 more teachers in classrooms — a clear sign of this government's determination to ensure that every child with special educational needs and disabilities receives the high-quality support they need and deserve. 

Getting more exceptional teachers into every classroom is central to the government's mission to drive high and rising standards in schools and to boost outcomes for every young person, no matter where they live or their background.

Teacher recruitment and retention are also at their strongest ever. Today's stats show one of the lowest rates of teachers leaving in the history of the school workforce census – at 2,100 fewer teachers than last year, and there has been a 13% rise in people training to teach, with the STEM recruitment target surpassed for the first time since it was introduced. 

Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, said:   

“Every child should be taught by an exceptional teacher — and this government is determined to make that a reality in classrooms across the country.

"We're making real progress where it's needed most: over two thirds of our pledge to recruit 6,500 additional teachers has already been met, fewer teachers are leaving the profession than at any point on record, and more are choosing to build long, rewarding careers in teaching.   

"But we know there is more to do. We will keep working to make teaching the valued, well-rewarded profession it ought to be — so that every child, whatever their background or need, has the brilliant teacher they deserve."

Average median pay has risen, with teachers now earning an average £51,048, showing a 4% increase from last year, reflecting the government's determination to restore teaching as the highly valued, respected profession it should be.   

  
To encourage more people to consider a career in teaching, tax-free bursaries and scholarships worth up to £31,000 are being offered in vital subjects including chemistry, maths, physics and computing, with early career teachers in these subjects receiving up to £6,000 after tax if they teach in disadvantaged schools.  

The government has also taken action to boost teacher pay by almost 10% over two years, and tackle the things that keep more teachers in the profession and thriving to give every child the best start in life. Measures include:

• A new schoolteacher retention programme starting this Autumn, providing peer support, coaching and resources to help schools support their staff with workload, wellbeing and flexible working   

• 93 new RISE Attendance and Behaviour Hubs which will be led by schools with excellent attendance and behaviour practice who will work closely with other schools to help improve their approach, so teachers can focus on teaching.
• Prioritising children with SEND, with £4 billion investment in reform - as part of our once-in-a-generation plan to improve the life chances of children in all corners of the country, so that teachers feel supported to help those with additional needs.
• Delivering a record £9.5 billion to fund 30 hours of childcare for working parents, free breakfast clubs, and investing almost a billion pounds to open a Best Start Family Hub in every local area, so every child arrives at school ready to learn.
• Our Child Poverty Strategy which sets out the steps we are taking to reduce child poverty in the short term, as well as putting in place the building blocks we need to change the course we're on and create long-term change, so teachers can focus on delivering an excellent education.

-ENDS-

  Notes to editors   

• The School Workforce Census data published today reflects a snapshot of all staff working in state-funded schools in England as of November 2025. Non-maintained special schools, sixth-form colleges and further education establishments are not included in the census.   

• Full statistical tables and methodology are available at Release home - School workforce in England - Explore education statistics - GOV.UK
• The schools, pupils, and characteristics data has also been published today: Release home - Schools, pupils and their characteristics - Explore education statistics - GOV.UK

• The government's 6,500 teacher target applies to secondary schools, special schools and colleges (Further Education Colleges and Schools-based providers) in England.   

• The 13% rise in initial teacher training figures was published separately as part of initial teacher training (ITT) statistics.