Labour

Stephen Twigg response to the Pearson report 'Future Teacher Workforce'

Stephen Twigg MP, Labour's Shadow Education Secretary, responding to the Pearson Think Tank's commissioned report, 'Future Teacher Workforce', said:

"This important and authoritative report raises some very concerning issues affecting the future fabric of the education system.

"It records a sharp drop in the number of students applying to be primary teachers, a fall of 17% on last year. Combined with the findings on low teacher morale and the 8% projected increase in the number of primary school places needed by 2015, we can see a perfect storm brewing.

"Instead of burying his head in the sand, it's time Michael Gove got a grip on the crises facing primary education in this country. Rather than obsessing over his pet projects, he must take action to address the primary places crisis, relinquish his talking down of the teaching profession and take on board the implications of Professor Howson's report."