Million Plus

MillionPlus, the Association for Modern Universities, has today (28 January) welcomed the government’s Teacher Recruitment and Retention Strategy.

Dr Greg Walker, Chief Executive of MillionPlus said:

“The publication of the Teacher Recruitment and Retention Strategy is a welcome step from government in recognising the crisis surrounding teacher recruitment and retention in England.

“MillionPlus’s Deans of Education Network has closely engaged with the Department for Education on developing the Early Career Framework (ECF) and we believe it has the potential to provide much needed and greater support to teachers as they start out as newly qualified teachers. It is absolutely vital that the Early Career Framework receives the investment necessary in order to make it a success so it doesn’t become another good idea that falls by the wayside.

“The ECF doesn’t lessen the need for continuing professional development over the entire career span of a teacher to enhance the health and retention of the profession. This long-term focus is vital for a successful sector to thrive and will build a long-term career pathway with academic development being a key part of this.  

“It is also important to remember that recruitment and retention are two distinct issues, and focusing on them individually will be critical, however, this strategy demonstrates that the government is committed to moving in the right direction, and we will continue to work with government to achieve this aim.

“Universities remain at the heart of teacher education, particularly modern institutions at which 62% of Initial Teacher Training students study. Therefore, any long-term solution must ensure it works with university providers as well as schools, unions and individual teachers so we have a holistic system working towards world-leading teacher education to facilitate world-class teaching.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact Dan Blows on 020 7717 1658 or email press@millionplus.ac.uk
2. The Teacher Recruitment and Retention Strategy is available here
3. MillionPlus is the Association for Modern Universities in the UK, and the voice of 21st century higher education. We champion, promote and raise awareness of the essential role and impact of modern universities in the UK’s world-leading higher education sector. More information can be found at www.millionplus.ac.uk
4. What are modern universities? Modern universities are long established centres of higher education in their communities with roots that stretch back decades, if not centuries. Many gained university title following legislation agreed by parliament in 1992. They make up almost half of the UK university sector with over a million students studying at modern universities every year.
5. Modern universities: key facts 2018