The school system in England is facing a growing challenge of ensuring that sufficient numbers of high-quality teachers are employed in all subjects and across the country. Efforts to improve pupils’ education and learning will be hampered without a high-quality workforce supporting them to make progress in the classroom.
NFER’s school workforce research programme combines analysis of large datasets, robust evaluation, surveys and in-depth qualitative research to provide fresh evidence and insights that support improvement in teacher recruitment, retention and development. Our research aims to give policymakers and system leaders an accurate picture of the education workforce to guide effective, proportionate and well-targeted action.
Learn more
Teacher recruitment and retention in England data dashboard
This dashboard, provides information on the nature of teacher recruitment and retention challenges, and their implications for pupils and schools across a range of dimensions.
Learn More >
Policy options for a long-term teacher pay and financial incentives strategy
This research, funded by the Gatsby Foundation, examines the impact and costs of different levels of pay and financial incentives on teacher supply in England.
Learn More >
Racial equality in the teacher workforce
This research report explores the representation and career progression opportunities in the teaching profession in England among people from different ethnic minority backgrounds.
Learn More >
Teacher Labour Market in England Annual Report 2024
NFER's sixth annual Teacher Labour Market report shows that teacher supply is in a critical state, representing a substantial risk to the quality of education.
Learn More >
Read the Research Overiew of the Teacher Workforce dynamics in England