The number of teachers working in England's state schools has declined for the second consecutive year, despite the government's assurances that it is fulfilling its promise to boost recruitment in critical areas.
The annual school workforce census reveals that there are 466,300 teachers in state schools this year, a decrease of more than 1,900 compared to the previous year. This drop is primarily attributed to falling numbers in mainstream primary and secondary schools.
However, the Department for Education (DfE) maintains that the government is on track to meet its manifesto commitment of employing 6,500 additional teachers over the current parliament. This includes increases in special needs and pupil referral unit teachers, as well as further education teachers for students up to 18 years old.
Government claims progress
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson stated: "We're making real progress where it's needed most: over two-thirds of our pledge to recruit 6,500 additional teachers has already been met, fewer teachers are leaving the profession than at any point on record, and more are choosing to build long, rewarding careers in teaching."
Despite this, the DfE's figures indicate that the number of new entrants to the profession is at its lowest in at least 15 years. Only 41,000 new and former teachers joined state schools this year, compared to 51,000 a decade ago.
Union criticism
Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union, criticized the situation, saying the overall fall in teacher numbers is "making a mockery of the government's promise of 6,500 extra teachers." He noted that the number of newly qualified recruits is at its lowest since records began 30 years ago.
Kebede added: "The government stands at a crossroads on education. Falling pupil numbers mean there is an opportunity to drastically improve children's opportunities by increasing school staffing levels and reducing class sizes, as the previous Labour government did 25 years ago."
Labour's manifesto pledge
Labour's 2024 manifesto included a pledge to "recruit 6,500 new teachers in key subjects to set children up for life, work and the future, paid for by ending tax breaks for private schools."
The DfE argued that it has added 4,600 teachers compared to its 2023 baseline, excluding primary teachers. This includes a net increase of 1,000 secondary teachers and about 2,000 special needs and pupil referral unit teachers. The DfE also counted an additional 1,600 further education teachers, though official figures have not yet been published.
Expert analysis
Jack Worth, education workforce lead at the National Foundation for Educational Research, pointed out that the DfE's figures include 2,300 additional teachers recorded in November 2024, just a few months after Labour took power. He said it is "highly unlikely that its policies could have had a meaningful impact on those figures."
Worth emphasized: "Sustained progress will be essential to reverse the damage that previous undersupply has caused to the extent of specialist teaching in shortage secondary subjects, and particularly in schools serving the most disadvantaged communities. One in six maths lessons in years 7 to 9 are still taught by non-specialist teachers."
Free school meals rise
The school census also reveals that the number of pupils receiving free school meals has increased by 45,000, reaching over 2.2 million. This means 26.5% of all pupils are known to receive them. The north-east of England remains the most affected region, with one in three pupils eligible, while 31% are eligible in the West Midlands. In the east and south-east of England, the rate is 21%.
