UCU responds to missed teacher training targets

Responding to the latest figures from the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), which show a 7% drop in recruitment of trainee teachers, UCU general secretary Sally Hunt said:

'Today's figures show yet another worrying drop in the number of trainee teachers, and the fact that recruitment targets have now been missed for several years running must be cause for great concern. Universities have a long history of recruiting and educating excellent teachers in partnership with schools, but their efforts are being frustrated by the government's plans to expand other teacher training programmes which have poorer recruitment records.

'At a time of teacher shortages, instead of further fragmentation we need a clear and accessible system of teacher education which is highly regarded and simple for potential trainees to navigate. We also need a clear commitment to professional development for teachers throughout their working life to ensure that teaching remains an attractive and respected career option.'