NEWS: Research into teacher workforce

New research funded by the Nuffield Foundation will delve into the challenges facing the teacher workforce in England, providing insights crucial for policy makers and teachers alike

The research will include annual reports on the state of the teacher labour market in England for 2024 and 2025.

In March this year, NFER will produce its sixth annual teacher labour market in England report analysing the latest trends and make recommendations to policy makers on measures that could address the gaps in teacher recruitment and retention.

Analysis from previous annual reports have influenced policy maker thinking, including recommendations made by the School Teachers’ Review Body report on teacher pay. Findings have also been used by the Department for Education (DfE) and wider stakeholders to inform thinking on the state of the teacher labour market.

The teacher workforce analysis will also include new research on key factors affecting teacher recruitment and retention, such as young people’s desire to become teachers and teacher workload.

Jack Worth, NFER School Workforce Lead, said:

“High teacher leaving rates and historically low teacher recruitment figures point to the deteriorating competitiveness of teaching compared to other occupations, in both pay and working conditions.

“As we approach the next general election, this new research is particularly timely. Decision makers need to take urgent policy action, and we aim for our research to inform that action. Failing to act could have a direct and detrimental impact on pupils’ learning.”

Dr Emily Tanner, Programme Head at the Nuffield Foundation said:

“We are delighted to support this new research from NFER to ensure that teacher workforce policy is informed by robust, up-to-date, independent evidence that takes into account the nuanced picture across the country.”

To coincide with the publication of the Teacher Labour Market in England 2024 report, NFER will be hosting a webinar to present the findings from the report, highlighting the latest trends in teacher recruitment and retention. We will also be joined by a panel of education experts to reflect on the findings. More details on the event will appear on our social media channels and website.