Education and Teaching News

Teach First

Teach First recruited 560 graduates last year making them the fourth largest graduate recruiter in the UK. Graduates are currently placed in schools in the East Midlands, London, the North West, the West Midlands and Yorkshire. Most placements are for secondary schools but there are some opportunities in the primary school sector. Places are expected to double by 2012, particularly in science, maths, ICT, design & technology, so that the programme will be available across England and Wales. More information from www.teachfirst.org.uk

Curriculum Changes and GTC scrapped

The introduction of the new Primary Curriculum and the new Diplomas in science, humanities and languages (both due in September 2011) have both been scrapped.

Also to be scrapped following the Government Review are two major national quangos, the General Teaching Council (GTC) for England and Wales and the Curriculum Development Agency. Other quangos are still under review.

Teacher Unemployment Rises

The number of teachers claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance climbed from 2,610 in July 2008 to 4,580 in July this year. The number of unemployed primary teachers has almost doubled over the two years.

But there are still plenty of vacancies for teachers in London and the South East as councils prepare for the impact of the 2008 “baby boom”.

Source: AGCAS Teaching and Related Professions Task Group