TTR0123

Written evidence submitted by University Alliance

 

University Alliance represents the UK’s leading professional and technical universities.

Our members are large, ambitious universities who operate at a local and global level. They specialise in working with industry. This ensures their students graduate with career-ready skills and businesses can access the knowledge they need to innovate and grow. University Alliance members have a long history in delivering teacher training - it is very much a part of their DNA. Our members are passionate about teacher retention and recruitment hence our submission to this inquiry.

 

What are the main factors leading to difficulties recruiting and retaining qualified teachers?

There are 5 major factors experienced by members:

Cost of Living

Excessive application bureaucracy

Complexity and confusion around routes into teaching

Status of teaching as a profession

Lack of incentives

 

Which subjects are most affected?

 

How does the situation differ across the country and across different types of schools and colleges?

 

What impact does this have on pupils, particularly disadvantaged pupils, and those with SEND?

 

University Alliance Recommendations:

 

What action should the Department take to address the challenges in teacher recruitment and retention? What has been the impact of the new bursaries and scholarships announced in October?

University Alliance Recommendations:

 

How well does the current teacher training framework work to prepare new teachers and how could it be improved? What has been the impact of the Early Career Framework implemented in September 2021?

 

How does teacher training in England compare internationally, and what are the benefits and disadvantages of the English system?

 

University Alliance Recommendations:

 

How do challenges in teacher recruitment, training and retention compare to those being faced in other professions/ sectors of the economy, and is there anything that can be learned from other professions/ sectors of the economy?

University Alliance Recommendations:

 

What particular challenges exist in teacher recruitment, training and retention for teachers from different demographic backgrounds? How well does the demographic makeup of the teaching workforce reflect that of the pupils they teach?

 

University Alliance Recommendations:

 

April 2023

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