LONDON, June 4 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news:

The government is on track to meet its pledge to recruit and retain an additional 6,500 teachers aftersurpassing two thirds of its manifesto targetwiththree yearsto go.

The figures published today show the government has now recruited4,654 additional teachers of the 6,500 pledge, with 3,008 more teachers in secondary and special schools and a further 1,646 more in further education, showing that the government is delivering on that promise.  

The increasein teachers in these areas reflect the governmentrebalancing and targetinginvestment where it is needed most. As the birth rate continues to fall,the number of pupils in secondary schoolsstarts toplateauand more move into further education.

This is alsoevidentin special schools, where teacher numbers havegrownwith1,100 more teachers in classrooms - a clear sign of this government's determination to ensure that every child with special educational needs and disabilities receives the high-quality support they need and deserve.

Getting more exceptional teachers into every classroom is central to the government's mission to drive high and rising standards in schools and to boost outcomes for every young person, no matter where they live or their background.

Teacher recruitment and retention are alsoattheir strongest ever. Today'sfigures showone of thelowest rates of teachers leavingin the history of the school workforce census- at 2,100 fewer teachersthan last year, and there has been a 13% rise in people training to teach, with the STEM recruitment target surpassed for the first time since it was introduced.

Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, said: 

Every child should be taught by an exceptional teacher - and this government is determined to make that a reality in classrooms across the country.

We're making real progress where it's needed most: over two thirds of our pledge to recruit 6,500 additional teachers has already been met, fewer teachers are leaving the profession than at any point on record, and more are choosing to build long, rewarding careers in teaching. 

But we know there is more to do. We will keep working to make teaching the valued, well-rewarded profession it ought to be - so that every child, whatever their background or need, has the brilliant teacher they deserve.

Average median pay has risen,withteachers now earning an average£51,048,showing a 4% increasefrom last year, reflecting the government's determination to restore teaching as the highly valued, respected profession it should be. 

To encourage more people to consider a career in teaching, tax-free bursaries and scholarships worth up to £31,000 are being offered in vital subjects including chemistry, maths, physics and computing, with early career teachers in these subjects receiving up to £6,000 after tax if they teach in disadvantaged schools.

The governmenthas alsotaken action to boost teacher pay by almost 10% over two years, and tackle the things that keep more teachers in the profession and thriving to give every child the best start in life. Measures include:

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A new schoolteacher retention programme starting this Autumn, providing peer support, coaching and resources to help schools support their staff with workload, wellbeing and flexible working. 

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93 new RISE Attendance and Behaviour Hubs which will be led by schools with excellent attendance and behaviour practice who will work closely with other schools to help improve their approach, so teachers can focus on teaching.

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Prioritising children with SEND, with £4 billion investment in reform - as part of our once-in-a-generation plan to improve the life chances of children in all corners of the country, so that teachers feel supported to help those with additional needs.

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Delivering a record £9.5 billion to fund 30 hours of childcare for working parents, free breakfast clubs, and investing almost a billion pounds to open a Best Start Family Hub in every local area, so every child arrives at school ready to learn.

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Our Child Poverty Strategy which sets out the steps we are takingto reduce child poverty in the short term, as well as putting in place the building blocks we need to change the coursewe'reon and create long-term change, so teachers can focus on delivering an excellent education.

Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.