HC Deb 21 November 1946 vol 430 cc164-6W
131. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Minister of Education if she will state, approximately, the present shortage of men and women teachers in primary and secondary schools, respectively; how many of these categories are at present receiving training; how many applicants are on the waiting list; and if she has any estimate of the position respecting supply of teachers in one and in two years from now.

Miss Wilkinson

The number of vacancies in primary and secondary schools on 1st October, 1946, as notified by local education authorities was 2,192 for men, 6,675 for women and 1,040 for which either men or women would be suitable. Between one-half and two-thirds of these are for children under 11 it. The statement below shows the number of students, totalling 21,100, now taking courses in preparation for teaching in the various categories.

There are about 22,000 men and 3,000 women who have been selected for training under the emergency scheme, but have not yet been admitted to colleges, but these figures take no account of the flow of students from schools and universities to the permanent training institutions.

It is expected that the number of teachers available for employment in primary and secondary schools as a whole will increase from 176,000 in January, 1946, to 190,000 in January, 1948, and 200,000 in January, 1949. Fuller details of these estimates will be circulated shortly for the consideration of local education authorities and others concerned.

Numbers of Teachers in Training, November, 1946
(Approximate figures).
Men. Women. Total.
1. Graduates in the professional year of their training at University Training Departments or post-graduate Colleges 350 750 1,100
2. Students at other permanent Colleges, mainly following two-year courses. 3,000 10,500 13,500
3. Students following one-year courses in Emergency Colleges 4.300 2,200 6,500
7,650 13.450 21,100

Courses normally prepare students for work with children of a definite age range, but give them some experience with chil- dren outside that range; subject to this reservation:—

  1. (1) Nearly all the graduates in training are preparing for work in secondary schools.
  2. (2) Nearly all the men at permanent Colleges are preparing for work either in secondary schools or in the top forms of primary schools
    • About three-quarters of the women in these Colleges are preparing for work in primary schools
  3. (3) Rather over a quarter of the men and about two-thirds of the women in Emergency Colleges are preparing for work in primary schools.