Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 14
14
Further education colleges face significant challenges recruiting teachers and filling vacancies
Conclusion
In offering vocational training, further education colleges support the government’s missions for building skills for economic growth and spreading opportunities too all children. However, colleges struggle to compete with schools and industry to recruit the teachers required and have experienced more significant challenges than schools in getting a workforce with the relevant experience. This will impact the type and extent of skills that can be taught. In 2022–23, 5.1 out of every 100 teaching positions in further education colleges were vacant.34 Looking ahead, the Department estimates colleges will need 8,400 to 12,400 more teachers by 2028–29.35
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
3.2 The government recognises there are variations in school and FE recruitment and retention, including greater shortages in key STEM and technical subjects and in disadvantaged areas. 3.4 School and college leaders are responsible for employing teachers. However, it is vital that the department supports the sector to recruit and retain teachers where they are needed most, which is why the department is offering the Targeted Retention Incentive (TRI) worth up to £6,000 per year after tax for early career teachers in key STEM and technical subjects in disadvantaged schools and all FE colleges. The TRI in colleges is available to teachers of a wider range of subjects than in schools, such as building and construction where vacancy rates are particularly high.