§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills pursuant to his Answer of 4 December 2003,Official Report, column 191W, on teacher vacancies, what recent assessment he has made of the number of secondary school teachers in Portsmouth; what steps he is taking to increase numbers; and if he will make a statement. [143963]
§ Mr. MilibandThe number of full-time equivalent regular teachers in maintained secondary schools in Portsmouth local education authority in January of each year was as follows:
Number 2000 600 2001 650 2002 640 2003 620 Source: DfES annual 618G survey. A number of incentives have been introduced aimed at encouraging teacher supply and retention. Students on Postgraduate Certificate in Education courses, for example, receive a £6,000 training bursary as well as having their tuition fees paid by the Government. Those who qualify in priority subjects also receive a £4,000 Golden Hello after induction. The Government will continue to take such measures as it believes appropriate to ensure that teacher supply meets demand.