Overview
This briefing report contains findings from 647 STEM teachers in secondary schools in England, based on wider research conducted with 800 STEM teachers across the UK. The purpose of the briefing is to understand some of the issues they face and the impact of recruitment and retention issues in their school or college.
School Report: The challenge of STEM teacher and recruitment and retention
Who this is for
- Careers leads
- Policymakers
- Researchers
- STEM outreach organisers
- Teachers
Key findings
- 30% of teachers said there was a vacancy in their department at their school
- 81% of teachers said vacancies resulted in teachers being taught by non-specialist teachers, 71% said their workload has increased and 39% said students received fewer hands-on practical lessons
- Over a third (37%) of teachers said they either didn’t see themselves (19%) or didn’t know if they saw themselves teaching in 5 years’ times (19%)
Reasons why teachers said they would leave teaching:
"Too much emphasis on the written element, and reduced content for the practical, making this less enjoyable to teach and also less enjoyable for the students."
"Overworked, undervalued, lack of support staff, Ofsted take time from the important tasks of teaching children, behaviour is getting worse. Provision is not right for all students. Too much focus on academic outcomes makes large chunks disengaged."
— Feedback from teachers in School Report: The challenge of STEM teacher and recruitment and retention
