A government scheme to lure back physics teachers recruited just 23 staff in two years.
Freedom of Information figures obtained by Schools Week show the Return to Teaching scheme faltered in recent years as recruitment dimmed.
As a “priority” subject under the Department for Education’s scheme, those interested in returning to teach physics are eligible for support from an adviser.
But just eight returned in 2019-20, and 15 in 2020-21.
It comes against a backdrop of chronic under-recruitment in the subject, with last year’s initial teacher training numbers in the subject the lowest on record.
The department added chemistry and computing to its priority subjects earlier this year. It had hoped more staff could help pupils catch up after the pandemic.
But there were low numbers in other priority subjects, with 49 maths and 56 languages teachers going back to the classroom over the two years.
This is despite more than 600 former teachers in the subjects being given an adviser after showing an interest in returning. For physics, 111 potential returners were given advisers.
The Department for Education said additional numbers may have returned to teaching without telling their adviser.
It added that about 15,000 teachers returned each year – more than a third of all qualified entrants.
Maybe the big issue with teacher recruitment is the high requirements to become a teacher.
The need to have a degree is surely stopping a great number of people who would be fantastic teachers, but do not have the inclination to obtain a degree.
This is particularly true when considering teachers for lower years such Key stage 1-3.
Being able to complete a degree course is not really very important when you are teaching a group of 8 year olds their times tables or the difference between a verb and an adjective. Far more important is your ability to actually relay information using a range of methods to get it across to children with varying ability levels.
I know several people who would make fantastic teachers, but will never have the chance, even if they wanted to, because of the high requirements to become one. Obviously there is some training needed to become a teacher, but having a degree be a requirement is a huge barrier to entry for many people. Especially those already in work who may not be able to take time off to go and complete a three year course!