Employment statistics for newly qualified teachers

The General Teaching Council for Scotland carries out a survey every autumn of teachers who have participated in the The Teacher Induction Scheme (TIS), a probation programme described as 'world-leading' in a recent international survey by the OECD.

The purpose of the survey is to gain information on teachers' experiences of obtaining employment once they have gained The Standard for Full Registration with the GTC Scotland and become eligible to apply for a permanent teaching post in Scotland.

View the Employment Survey of 2007-2008 Probationer Teachers.

The survey report summarises the responses to the survey questionnaire of 1478 teachers out of a possible 3359.

Key findings are:

• The survey response rate was down from 46.5% to 44.0%.This means that comparisons should be made with caution.
• The overall 'employed' rate is down from 87.8% to 79.0%.The proportion of all those responding who were in permanent posts (full-time and part-time) was 33.4% by comparison with 43.5% last year.

Of those actually in employment:

• The 'full-time permanent' rate is down from 46.4% to 38.8%
• The total permanent (including part-time) rate is down from 49.4% to 42.3%
• The number of primary teachers in permanent posts is down from 30.5% to 29.5%
• The number of secondary teachers in permanent posts is down from 70.9% to 58.1%
• The proportion of those on supply lists is up from 18.7% to 30.2%

Anthony Finn, Chief Executive of the General Teaching Council for Scotland said:

"The GTC Scotland carries out an annual fact finding survey of probationers and reports the information to the Scottish Government.

"As the regulatory body for the profession we are obviously concerned that the numbers of teachers in employment has dropped from last year. We are currently producing some of the most talented teachers we have seen in Scotland and it is important they get the opportunity to put their skills into practice and to contribute new ideas to the development of the profession.

"Although the GTC Scotland does not have any locus in the employment of teachers , we will continue to work with the Scottish Government and local authorities to seek a solution to this issue."

Further Information

• The General Teaching Council for Scotland carries out the Employment Survey of Probationer Teachers. It is not responsible for interpreting the information gathered or developing policy or otherwise as a result of it.

• For further information contact Martin Osler, GTC Scotland media enquiries, on 07739 185 522 or martin.osler@kindredagency.com

(added 10 December 2008)