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Staffing Crisis in English Schools Continues to Worsen
A staffing crisis in English schools has been steadily growing for the past decade, with no signs of improvement. Between 2021 and 2022, the number of vacant teaching positions increased by a staggering 44%. Shockingly, a quarter of all new teachers leave the profession within three years. The headteacher of one secondary school even compares trying to fill certain roles to “advertising for a unicorn.”
Medical schools also struggle to attract top students, given the fact that pay and working conditions are often unattractive compared to higher-paying private sector employers. These shortages are particularly prevalent in disadvantaged schools and areas, which will inevitably lead to increased achievement gaps.
Government Must Address the Matter Urgently
It is the responsibility of the government to oversee state schools, making their failure to address this issue a source of profound concern and shame. Despite having had seven education secretaries in the past five years, none of them have adequately addressed the problem. Without teachers, education cannot take place. Disadvantaged schools and areas are the most affected, resulting in an inevitable increase in attainment gaps. It is imperative that this issue is treated with the seriousness it deserves.
Causes of the Crisis are Clear
There is no mystery as to what has caused this crisis. Despite the government’s announcement in 2019 to remove barriers to part-time teaching and reduce heavy workloads, which are often cited as reasons for teacher attrition, the issue still persists. The reintroduction of bursaries for training in subjects such as English has alleviated shortages to some extent. However, pay remains inadequately low due to years of freezes and budget cuts. This year’s average pay rise of 5% was only half the rate of inflation and lower than increases in Scotland and Wales.
Intense Pressures and Lax Response from Inspectorate
Teaching is a highly demanding profession, with teachers facing immense pressures. Unlike other professionals, teachers are subject to inspection by Ofsted, which only adds to their stress. The recent response by Ofsted to the tragic death of headteacher Ruth Perry has done little to alleviate concerns about overwhelming stress. Furthermore, schools deal with a wide range of issues, including sexual harassment, bullying, and the challenges that some children bring from their homes. In a society where thresholds for social care, special needs support, and mental healthcare have all been raised, schools often become the only source of help and support for families. It is not surprising that some teachers struggle when they are forced to handle responsibilities they are not prepared for. Additionally, teaching lacks the flexibility and options for remote work that many other graduate employers now offer.
English Subject and Decreased Interest
The shortage of teachers in the English subject is directly linked to the declining number of students choosing to learn the subject. A-level entries for English have plummeted from 90,000 in 2012 to a mere 54,000. The government must share some blame for this as their reforms have stripped creativity and critical thinking from the curriculum, particularly at the GCSE level. Furthermore, the emphasis on STEM subjects, especially math, has marginalized other subject areas, leading to decreased interest. The routes into teacher training have also become more complex, deterring potential candidates.
A Call for Immediate Action and Increased Funding
If we want our children to thrive, urgent action must be taken to improve pay and working conditions for teachers. The recent negligent approach of the Conservatives towards schools, including the refusal to fund a recommended pandemic recovery package, has exacerbated the problem. It will take time to repair the damage done. At the very least, Education Secretary Gillian Keegan should publish the report of the independent pay review body, as requested by unions, and push the Treasury to fund the recommended 6.5% pay increase. It is imperative that we prioritize the well-being of our educators and invest in their profession.
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