§ Mr. Bishopasked the Secretary of State for Eucation and Science how many women teachers were trained each year for the last five years; how many left the profession in each year; and what action she is taking to encourage more women to train as teachers and to remain in the profession after training.
§ Mr. Gerry FowlerFor the last five years for which complete figures—including wastage figures—are available, the information is as follows:
Women students successfully completing courses of initial teacher training in the years ended July Women teachers leaving the maintained primary and secondary schools in the years ended March 1968 … 22,214 22,368 1969 … 25,020 23,047 1970 … 26,162 22,919 1971 … 27,807 24,110 1972 … 28,404 25,330 Women represent about 70 per cent. of all students on initial teacher training courses and about 80 per cent. of all those teachers whose return to teaching after a period out of service makes a substantial contribution to total recruitment. My right hon. Friend would wish to dissuade women teachers from taking time away to rear their families before returning to teaching.