During the 1980s, returners averaged between 45 and 50 per cent of entrants each year. Indeed, in 1987 they accounted for 58 per cent of all entrants - nearly three out of every five fresh faces in the classroom. However, there followed a steady decline in the percentage of returners so that, by the year 2000, they accounted for only some 38.2 per cent of entrants. These returning teachers were spread evenly between the nursery and primary sectors (37.8 per cent of entrants) and secondary schools (38.6 per cent).

But, percentages don’t tell the whole story. In 1983, there were only 10,800 returners while in 2000 the actual number of returners was higher at around 13,000. Although total returner numbers were higher in 2000, sadly, they were still the second lowest figures since 1983. Only in 1999 were there fewer returners when just 12,700 teachers came back to the classroom.

With the advent of the so-called returners’ bonus, it is possible that the figure for 2002 will show a significant increase.

Relevant data is unlikely to be publicly available from the DFES until September 2004. Even so, regardless of the short-term impact of incentives this year, the age profile of the profession suggests that there is unlikely to be a massive increase in the number of teachers returning form the PIT (Pool of Inactive Teachers) in the next decade.

John Howson e-mail john.howson@lineone.net