§ Ms. ArmstrongTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what plans he has to encourage mid-career retraining for those who wish to become teachers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ButcherCourses of initial teacher training are available for all potential entrants to the profession—regardless of age and previous experience. We have encouraged the development of new courses to meet a range of needs, including those of people who want to switch to teaching in mid career. This year nearly 6,000 people aged 26 and over entered courses of initial teacher training—30 per cent. of the total. One of the main aims of our teacher recruitment activity through the teaching as a career unit (TASC) is to attract more older people from other careers into teaching.