England's State Schools See Teacher Numbers Decline for Second Consecutive Year
The number of teachers in England's state schools has fallen for the second year running, according to the latest annual school workforce census. The figures reveal a decrease of over 1,900 teachers, bringing the total to 466,300 in the current academic year. This decline is primarily seen in mainstream primary and secondary schools, with a notable drop in primary school teachers by 1.3% and secondary school teachers by 0.2%.
Despite the overall decrease, the Department for Education (DfE) highlighted progress towards its manifesto pledge to recruit 6,500 additional teachers. The DfE stated that 4,654 additional teachers have been recruited towards this goal since the 2023-24 academic year, constituting 71% of the pledge. This increase is largely attributed to gains in special schools and pupil referral units, which saw a 3.9% rise in teacher numbers, and a smaller increase in centrally employed teachers.
However, critics argue that the government's figures are being bolstered by recent increases. The number of new entrants to the teaching profession has also seen a downturn, with 41,012 new and returning teachers joining state schools in the current year. This figure represents the lowest number of newly qualified recruits in at least 30 years, according to the National Education Union.
Factors contributing to the decline in teacher numbers and the ongoing shortage include low pay, excessive workloads, and stress, which lead to burnout and teachers leaving the profession. Many teachers cite a lack of work-life balance and feeling undervalued as reasons for departure. Retention rates, while showing some stability with approximately 9 in 10 teachers remaining in the profession after one year of qualification, remain a concern, particularly within the first five years of a teacher's career, where attrition rates are high.
The pupil-to-teacher ratio has seen a slight increase, with 18.0 pupils for every secondary school teacher in 2024/25. This trend is expected to continue as pupil numbers in secondary schools are projected to rise until 2028.
Education unions have expressed concern over the falling teacher numbers, with the National Education Union stating that the situation "makes a mockery of the government's promise of 6,500 extra teachers." Experts suggest that sustained efforts are needed to reverse the damage caused by previous undersupply, especially in shortage subjects and in schools serving disadvantaged communities. Addressing the root causes of low pay and challenging working conditions is considered crucial for improving both recruitment and retention in the teaching profession.
Despite the overall decrease, the Department for Education (DfE) highlighted progress towards its manifesto pledge to recruit 6,500 additional teachers. The DfE stated that 4,654 additional teachers have been recruited towards this goal since the 2023-24 academic year, constituting 71% of the pledge. This increase is largely attributed to gains in special schools and pupil referral units, which saw a 3.9% rise in teacher numbers, and a smaller increase in centrally employed teachers.
However, critics argue that the government's figures are being bolstered by recent increases. The number of new entrants to the teaching profession has also seen a downturn, with 41,012 new and returning teachers joining state schools in the current year. This figure represents the lowest number of newly qualified recruits in at least 30 years, according to the National Education Union.
Factors contributing to the decline in teacher numbers and the ongoing shortage include low pay, excessive workloads, and stress, which lead to burnout and teachers leaving the profession. Many teachers cite a lack of work-life balance and feeling undervalued as reasons for departure. Retention rates, while showing some stability with approximately 9 in 10 teachers remaining in the profession after one year of qualification, remain a concern, particularly within the first five years of a teacher's career, where attrition rates are high.
The pupil-to-teacher ratio has seen a slight increase, with 18.0 pupils for every secondary school teacher in 2024/25. This trend is expected to continue as pupil numbers in secondary schools are projected to rise until 2028.
Education unions have expressed concern over the falling teacher numbers, with the National Education Union stating that the situation "makes a mockery of the government's promise of 6,500 extra teachers." Experts suggest that sustained efforts are needed to reverse the damage caused by previous undersupply, especially in shortage subjects and in schools serving disadvantaged communities. Addressing the root causes of low pay and challenging working conditions is considered crucial for improving both recruitment and retention in the teaching profession.
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