Commenting on the new DfE school workforce census data, NFER School Workforce Lead, Jack Worth, said:
“It is hugely concerning that 40,000 working-age teachers left the profession last year, the highest level since records began in 2010. While fewer teachers retired, the overall picture is that teacher leaving rates rose in 2022 to just above the pre-pandemic level amid a competitive wider labour market. Addressing teacher retention should be at the heart of dealing with the teacher supply challenge, with further policy action needed to reduce teacher workload and increase the competitiveness of teacher pay.”