New research is being carried out to find out why the teaching profession is failing to attract enough young people.

There is increasing concern about a teaching recruitment crisis in Britain as pupil numbers continue to rise over the next few years.

It is hoped the study will help to identify how to make the profession more appealing to new recruits.

Less and less pupils are returning to school as teachers

The survey by the National Union of Teachers and the Government's Teacher Training Agency will cover 3,000 sixth formers.

Pupil numbers are set to rise into the 21st century but the number of graduates applying for teacher training is down 10% on last year.

The number of sixth formers wanting to start a four-year teacher training degree course is also down by 8%.

Last year recruitment for teacher training was 6.5% below target.

The union blames teaching's poor image on low pay, heavy workload and criticism from government in previous years.

Sixth formers in schools and colleges are to be asked what would encourage them into teaching and what deters them.

The study will also question whether sixth formers think teachers are well paid, have good career prospects and work in nice surroundings.

The results will be used to help improve the profession's image.
 

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