HC Deb 04 July 1989 vol 156 cc138-9
3. Mr. Harry Greenway

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what will be the minimum and maximum qualifications required to enable individuals to qualify for licensed teacher status; and if he will make a statement.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education and Science (Mr. John Butcher)

Candidates for licensed teacher status must have successfully completed at least two years full-time higher education or the part-time equivalent; have attained a standard in English and mathematics equivalent to GCSE grade C; and have reached the age of 26 before they take up their post as a licensed teacher.

Mr. Greenway

How many teachers does my hon. Friend expect to recruit into the classrooms through the device of licensed teachers? Will he expand upon his answer and give the House and the country an assurance that those taken into the scheme will be thoroughly and satisfactorily qualified to teach at the level to which they are assigned?

Mr. Butcher

I can certainly give my hon. Friend that assurance. The beauty of the licensed teachers scheme is that there will be two years of training which will be assessed and, if satisfactorily completed, will permit that teacher to go into the classroom on a qualified and professional basis. That contrasts with the current position of no requirement for formal training. Indeed, a number of teachers who do not have formal training are already in the classrooms, although that is not to suggest that they are not very good teachers. Our objective is to broaden the catchment without eroding professional standards in the classroom.

Mr. Madel

What will be the compulsory age for retirement for licensed teachers, and will it be the same for men as for women?

Mr. Butcher

The retirement conditions that pertain for those who qualify through the traditional route will also pertain for those who come through the licensed teachers scheme. Our whole objective is that once licensed teachers are in the classroom, they should have equal opportunities, terms and conditions across the board.