§ Dr. KumarTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to increase the number of graduates going into science teaching in school. [46060]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisThe recruitment of an adequate number of well-trained teachers is central to achieving our plans to raise standards in schools. Maintaining teacher supply is one of the key challenges facing this Government and the education system. We are working with our partners—the Teacher Training Authority, Higher Education Institutions, schools and others—to meet that challenge. Our response of 29 January to the Education and Employment Committee set out the measures we have taken to date.
We have already announced that all trainees studying to achieve a Post Graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) will not have to make a means-tested contribution to tuition fees. In addition, the Teacher Training Agency will make some £10 million available in the coming year through the Secondary Shortage Subject Scheme further to support those in need who wish to train to teach in such subjects, including science.