Teacher Workforce
House of Commons · Written Statements · 1 Jul 2026 · 1 speech · Official Report
High quality teaching is the in-school factor that has the biggest positive impact on a child’s outcomes, breaking down barriers to opportunity for every child. Recruiting, retaining and supporting expert teachers across schools and colleges is central to delivering high and rising standards for all children and young people. Despite a challenging financial context, progress is being made. We have made a record investment in schools, with the core schools budget increasing by £1.7 billion in 2026-27, and teacher pay has increased by almost 10% since this Government took power. Compared to 2023-24, there are 3,008 more teachers in secondary and special schools, 1,646 more teachers in colleges, and the number of trainee school teachers are up 13% on last year. Retention is also stronger across schools and colleges, with leaver rates in schools now at 8.5%-the lowest since at least 2010 (outside the pandemic years). More teachers are returning to state schools than at any point in the last 10 years. There is still further to go. That is why our 6,500 delivery plan set out a comprehensive plan for the rest of this Parliament, and our recent White Paper “Every Child Achieving and Thriving” committed to go further to support and invest in the workforce, including: Doubling the period of full maternity pay to eight weeks, and funding similar improvements for support staff and college staff. Giving teachers the training they need through a new and improved teacher training...