Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 15
15
Further education teacher recruitment receives insufficient focus and funding compared to schools.
Conclusion
We asked the Department if it thought there has been less focus on recruitment in further education than there should have been given the need to increase skills across the UK economy. For example, written evidence we received from the Gatsby Charitable Foundation and the Association of Colleges highlighted the £10,000 pay gap between teachers in schools and further education which they felt should be closed as a matter of priority.36 Also, in 2024–25, the majority of the £700 million (88%) budget for recruitment and retentions initiatives related to schools, with colleges feeling there has been limited additional funding despite the government’s positive messages.37
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.