Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 63
63
Accepted
Low college teacher retention rates caused by pay, workload, and professional development issues
Conclusion
College teacher retention rates are significantly lower than in schools, with less than a quarter of college teachers remaining in the profession after ten years. Pay disparities, excessive workloads, limited professional development and job insecurity are causing burnout and undermining teachers’ confidence and contentment in their jobs. Whilst the Government offers targeted retention payments for those in the first five years of their careers and teaching select subjects, more experienced college teachers and specialist colleges are excluded. (Conclusion, Paragraph 235)
Government response summary AI-generated
The government highlights various existing plans and investments, including £800 million in 16-19 education, targeted financial incentives for early career teachers in priority subjects, and schemes to improve mentoring and professional development. It describes ongoing efforts to support recruitment and retention in the post-16 sector, including a new FE Teacher Industry Exchange scheme.
Government Response
The government responded to this report on 9 December 2025. No passage in that response could be matched to this conclusion. Read the response document ↗