Trainee teachers in England can now try to answer the type of maths tests they are going to have to sit this summer for the first time.

Even after their years of training, they must now pass new skills tests if they want to enter the profession.

The Teacher Training Agency (TTA) has put sample questions on its website as part of a package of materials to help trainees qualifying between this May and April 2001.

The numeracy test is the first of three new tests being introduced by the government to ensure that all new teachers have a thorough grounding in the use of numeracy, literacy and information and communications technology.

The literacy tests will include spelling, grammar, punctuation and comprehension.

The information technology tests cover competence in gathering, handling and presenting information, communication including e-mails and "troubleshooting" computer hardware.

The agency's head of teacher training, Frankie Sulke, said: "Making these sample questions available is a major step forward in dispelling any uncertainty surrounding the new skills tests and we will continue working to produce further materials next month to ensure that trainees feel confident and well-prepared.

"There is an increasing need for all teachers to be proficient in their application of numeracy, literacy and ICT in their everyday work.

Five chances

"We are not closing the door on anyone who wants to train to be a teacher," she said. "The important thing is that people should have these skills by the time they actually qualify."

Some 25,000 final year trainees will sit the first paper-based numeracy test in June. If they do not succeed they will still get qualified teacher status but will need to pass the test at some stage to complete their first, induction, year and continue teaching in a state school or special school.

Their second chance will be in July, and they can have three more attempts during their induction year.

These transitional arrangements were made for trainees who were already on their courses when the tests were announced.

But one teachers' leader has called for a postponement.

Nigel de Gruchy, general secretary of the National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers, said: "We support tests in principle, but trainees should have been given advanced notice. It's no good changing the rules half way through.

Students concerned

"This is now a matter of breach of trust and contract. The tests should be postponed for a year."

From May 2001, trainees will have to pass computerised tests in all three skills areas before they can qualify. Tests will be available in computerised form from February 2001.

A similar system is being planned for Wales.

Mary Russell, secretary of the Universities Council for the Education of Teachers, said she was pleased the TTA had published examples of questions.

"There has been real concern amongst a lot of students that they started courses with no indication that they would have to sit these tests before qualifying. This will help," she said.

Peter Smith, general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, said few trainees would find the tests difficult.

"However, we are concerned that the government's lack of patience has led to students not being properly informed in advance."

David Hart, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, said: "I don't see how anyone could reasonably object to people who will be working as teachers having a mastery of numeracy themselves."

But Doug McAvoy, general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, said the tests were an "unnecessary additional imposition on young people who already have to get good grades in English and maths at GCSE to get on a course".