Schools in many regions struggling with staff recruitment, survey finds

Nick Elvin

Schools in many parts of England are struggling to recruit new staff, with maths, physics and English among the subjects most affected.

That’s according to the latest TES Teacher Recruitment Index, which analyses the secondary and primary school teacher marketplace in England, and is based on interviews with nearly 5,000 schools on their ability to successfully recruit new staff.

The latest data shows a downward trend in schools’ ability to appoint teachers in certain areas, with schools in London, the South East and West Midlands 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, although others which are proving difficult include mathematics, English and IT.

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 two applications on average compared to eight in 2012. Schools recruiting for maths teachers in the East of England now receive just three applications on average compared to seven in 2012.

Elsewhere, the picture is more positive for the North East, North West and South West, which are experiencing broadly the same success with recruitment today when compared to 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 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 added: “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.”