Teacher Recruitment Index Reveals Shortage Subjects and Regional Black Spots for First Time

LONDON, November 27, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

• Physics teacher in London is the hardest position to fill according to comprehensive recruitment study  
• Schools in London, the South East and West Midlands struggling to fill vacancies 

Schools in particular regions in England are unable to fill positions and are particularly struggling to hire new staff in core subjects such as maths, English and physics according to a new TES Global study out today.

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The TES Teacher Recruitment Index is the most comprehensive analysis of the secondary and primary school teacher marketplace and is based on interviews with nearly 5,000 schools on their ability to successfully recruit new staff.

The analysis, which compares and benchmarks data back to 2012 when the survey began, is uniquely able to pinpoint trends in recruitment black spots and the latest data shows a downward trend in schools' ability to appoint teachers in certain areas:

• Schools in London, the South East and West Midlands are facing the biggest challenges compared to just three years ago.
• Inner London, Yorkshire & Humber and North West England have experienced the most rapid falls in recruitment rates since 2012.
• Physics is the hardest subject to recruit for currently, according to the research. Others which are proving difficult include mathematics, English and Information Technology.
• The impact on schools is an increase in failed recruitment processes and less candidates to choose from:
  • Schools recruiting for physics teachers in London currently receive just 2 applications on average compared to 8 in 2012.
  • Schools recruiting for maths teachers in the East of England now receive just 3 applications on average compared to 7 in 2012.
• Elsewhere, the picture is more positive for the North East, North West and South West, which are experiencing broadly at the same success with recruitment today as they were in 2012.
• Schools recruiting for teachers in the classics, performing arts and physical education have plenty of candidates to choose from while recruitment for Special Needs education is another bright spot.

"While we may not be facing a national crisis in teacher recruitment, it will certainly feel like it in some areas. Schools are having to become increasingly creative to find the talent they need," said Rob Grimshaw, CEO of TES Global. "The TES Recruitment Index shows recruitment challenges facing schools across England in unprecedented detail. By sharing this data we hope to support a collective and targeted response to difficulties with teacher recruitment in specific subjects and regions."

The research includes a leadership survey of nearly 250 head teachers. Over 45% reported having unfilled positions and the responses underline the lengths that head teachers are having to go to in order to recruit teachers, including looking overseas.

Vic Goddard, Principal at Passmores Academy in Harlow, Essex, said: "This is a challenge all over the country. Our proximity to London means that we are having to work incredibly hard to recruit teachers for shortage subjects, normally with very little success. I am having to think very creatively about how to attract good quality teaching talent for subjects like maths, whether that's looking overseas or even looking at how we can give teachers somewhere to live to get them to join us."

Rob Grimshaw, said: "School leaders are finding it exceptionally hard to fill roles in certain regions and subjects. More creative thinking is needed about the recruitment and retention of teachers, such as easier routes for teaching assistants with suitable degrees to become qualified teachers. At TES, we've developed a range of flexible online teacher training courses, offered through TES Institute, to help increase access and bring more talented people into the teaching profession."

About the Index 

The TES Teacher Recruitment Index tracks trends in the changing ability of schools in England to recruit teachers across regions, subjects and school type. This unique and comprehensive survey is updated with 5,000 new school interviews three times a year, asking a series of questions on their ability to successfully recruit teachers.

It is based on five years of data, indexed relative to a 2012 benchmark. Index numbers do not represent percentages, but a relative measure of change and trends measured through points.

For the full results please visit: http://www.tesglobal.com/index

About TES Global 

TES Global is a digital, global education company, with commercial and social purpose. Its mission is to help teachers, schools and universities to develop and deliver the best education. It is home to the world's largest online community of teachers, with 7.7 million registered users, and the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. For more information, visit http://www.tesglobal.com

About the TES Institute 

TES Institute combines the best in online and in-person learning, allowing school staff to teach with confidence throughout their teaching career. From pre-ITT subject knowledge enhancement through initial teacher training to continuing professional development, our unique approach allows students to study in their own time, learning from peers and experienced tutors. https://www.tes.com/institute