Recruitment and retention problems are harming children’s learning. Ministers have failed to act
A staffing crisis in English schools that has been building for a decade shows no sign of easing. The number of vacant posts increased by 44% between 2021 and 2022. One in four new teachers leaves the profession within three years. The headteacher of one secondary school describes trying to fill some roles as “advertising for a unicorn”. Even in English, where recruitment has traditionally been easier than in maths or science – where schools face competition from higher-paying private sector employers – there are shortages. Growing numbers of pupils are taught by staff without expertise in the subject.
This should be a source of profound concern, and also shame, in government. It is ministers’ job to oversee state schools. They are responsible for a situation in which becoming and remaining a teacher have become less attractive. Gillian Keegan is the seventh education secretary in five years. It does not appear that any of them have grasped the problem. Without teachers, teaching cannot take place. The difficulties are most severe in disadvantaged schools and areas, meaning that attainment gaps can be expected to increase.
