A WORK-based route into teaching, popular with schools desperate for staff, is being urgently reviewed by the Government amid concerns over quality.

The disclosure comes with some schools already advertising for teachers for next September, because they are so worried about a lack of potential recruits.

The Graduate Teacher Programme (GTP) - which pays graduates up to pound;13,000 to train on the job - has expanded from 89 places to more than 2,250 in four years. But its first inspection report, due in the new year, is expected to show wide variations in the quality of training even though candidates are well-qualified.

Now the Teacher Training Agency is to review the programme and ministers plan to introduce tough new standards. They may try to maintain quality by limiting the type of schools that take part.

They also want to bring the scheme into line with mainstream teacher training, with schools recruiting their own trainees. At present, the TTA has to authorise every application. A system to eradicate uncertainty (see right) over places would also be introduced.

Schools and partnerships of schools, universities and local education authorities in the programme could also face inspection by the Office for Standards in Education.

The TTA is considering limiting the GTP to beacon and training schools. Other individual schools would still be able to apply for one-off places without having to meet all the new standards, but could find it harder to secure them.

Heads say the new curbs will add to their recruitment problems. Some are already advertising for vacancies they expect to have nine months from now. They are prepared to hire science teachers from April, a term before they are needed, simply to get them on the books, or to appoint newly-qualified teachers, even though they are only three months into their training courses.

“If they’re any good, they will already be showing their ability in the classroom,” said Alan Burchett, head of Westlands School in Sittingbourne, Kent.

“I don’t need a teacher until September, but if I can get a quality teacher at Easter I’ll carry the cost through the summer term.”

His plans could give him a head start in the recruitment race. Advertisements in The TES are already running at above last year’s level for January 11, the first big edition of 2002.

Michael Burrowes, head of St Peter and St Paul RC school in Lincoln, filled a post this year only by hiring a New Zealander due to return home soon. He hoped an advert now would stand out.

“I’m fortunate in being able to plan so early,” he said.

* Ministers are expected to announce increased recruitment targets for teacher training next week. The Government is committed to finding 10,000 more teachers by 2006.

www.canteach.gov.ukgtpreform