Teaching in crisis in the UK – many quit while student numbers rise.

In one year in the UK a record number of 50,000 teachers quit and now the government is having to look abroad for new recruits.  Officials are “building relationships with target countries” to try and bring teachers into the country who will not leave their jobs.  For example, between November 2013 and November 2014, 49120 teachers left “the profession” – the largest number to quit since records began in the UK.

Over the next three years the country will need 160,00 additional teachers and there could be a shortfall of 65,000 applicants for the positions. A recruiter employed by Jeremy Corbyn – Powell – Shadow Education Secretary said, “I don’t blame schools for looking abroad.  For years this government chose to ignore  the growing problem with teacher supply, continuing instead to botch recruitment and do down the profession at every opportunity.”