§ Mr. Greg KnightTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans she has to improve teacher recruitment and retention; and if she will make a statement. [880]
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§ Mr. TimmsThe number of teachers in maintained schools in England has risen by more than 11,000 since 1997. We have pledged a further increase of at least 10,000 by 2006. Various incentives are in place, and applications for postgraduate teacher training are rising. We have also proposed a welcome back bonus for returners to teaching this year and writing off, over time, the student loans of new teachers of shortage subjects in maintained schools.