§ 13. Mr. Alan SimpsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is the current level of teacher shortages in secondary education; and what proportion of secondary school teachers are on temporary or supply contracts. [48100]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisIn January 1998 there were 968 vacant teaching posts in secondary schools in England. Data on the proportion of secondary school teachers on temporary or supply contracts are not collected. I can however tell my hon. Friend that, in January 1998, 12 per cent. of the contracts of teachers in regular service in the LEA maintained nursery, primary and secondary sector in England were temporary; and that some 3,900 supply teachers were used on 15 January, the date of this year's Schools Census. (Some of the supply teachers will also be holders of temporary contracts.)