THE number of teachers leaving the profession within five years has risen to its highest level for a decade since Labour came to power.
In 1997-98, the latest year for which figures are available, 4,700 teachers under 40 left the profession less than five years after entering the classroo.
This compares to 4,500 the previous year.
Schools minister Estelle Morris revealed this in reply to a question from Conservative education spokesperson James Clappison. Although the total number of teachers leaving rose to 10,100 that was still 400 fewer than in 1994-95.