HL Deb 14 November 1996 vol 575 cc111-2WA
Lord Stoddart of Swindon

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are the latest figures for the proportion of male teachers in (a) state primary schools and (b) state secondary schools.

Lord Henley

In 1994–95 17 per cent. of full-time teachers in state nursery and primary schools in the United Kingdom were male. The equivalent figure for state secondary schools was 50 per cent.

Lord Stoddart of Swindon

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they are conducting an inquiry to ascertain whether there is any correlation between the serious decline in the numbers of male teachers in state schools and the increase in behavioural problems in such schools, leading in some instances to industrial action by teaching staff and school closures.

Lord Henley

The evidence from HM Chief Inspector of Schools is that the great majority of schools are orderly places. Whilst there does not appear to have been any increase in the overall number of behavioural problems in schools, it does seem that some of these have become more serious. However, there is no evidence of any link between such problems and the sex of the teachers involved.