Blogs and insights

International Maths Day in March is a celebration of maths, but it also shines a light on a pressing issue: the shortage of qualified maths teachers. With many schools struggling to fill maths teacher vacancies, how can schools bridge the gap and secure the future of maths education?

Over recent years, the learning gap has continued to widen, in particular for vulnerable learners Schools continue to play a crucial role in helping them develop both academically and socially. This makes intervention more important than ever.

In December 2024, the government announced plans to create new specialist places in mainstream schools. This reflects a growing trend to integrate SEN pupils into inclusive educational environments. As schools strive to meet diverse pupil needs, understanding and the latest developments in SEN provision are more crucial than ever.

As the first term winds down, it’s time to plan. A well-prepared start to the new term can set the tone for success, boosting morale and productivity for staff and students. Good preparation sets the tone for academic success and creates a positive learning environment. Here are eight strategies schools can follow to gear up for the new term.

A great school is one where staff trust the people they work for, have pride in the work they do, and enjoy the people they work with. Yet, according to the Education Support Teacher Wellbeing Index, 78% of education staff report feeling stressed, and 36% of teachers experience burnout. With these challenges in mind, creating a supportive, positive school environment isn’t only beneficial—it’s essential.

A BBC article estimates that out of 8.7 million schoolchildren in England, about 870,000 have dyslexia. With World Dyslexia Awareness Week taking place this month, and the new academic year upon us, it’s a good time for schools to reflect on their practices.

While many presume that school children today have strong digital skills, IT extends beyond mobile phones, iPads, and gaming. A study of 2,000 parents of six- to 18-year-old children found that 44% worry their children’s current knowledge doesn't stretch much further than scrolling social media. The study from Three UK revealed that 80% of parents believe digital skills should be as important as reading and writing.

While the focus often lies on hiring, the journey from recruitment to a teacher’s first day at a school plays a role in retaining top teaching talent. The ongoing teacher shortage in the UK should make teacher retention a priority for every school.

The recruitment and retention of non-teaching staff in schools remains challenging. Rising living costs and comparatively low wages for non-teaching staff exacerbate this issue. This leads many non-teaching staff, including teaching assistants (TAs), to seek better-paying jobs elsewhere.

Primary education has a persistent gender imbalance, with a shortage of male teachers. This imbalance persists across both state-funded and independent schools. Government statistics reveal that 14% of nursery and primary school teachers in England are male.

Teacher shortages impact recruitment and retention. A Department for Education survey published in June 2023 found that 40,000 teachers left state schools in 2021-22 before retirement. Meanwhile, teacher vacancies increased (from 1,600 in 2021 to 2,300 in 2022). The unequal distribution of teacher shortages, with disadvantaged schools more affected, amplifies educational inequality among pupils.

As the summer term closes, 2024/25 may seem far off. As teachers know, the summer holidays fly by. Recruiting permanent staff early benefits your school and pupils, ensuring a smooth and effective start to the new academic year. It also means you can enjoy the summer holidays without worrying about September’s staffing levels.