Schools rated “inadequate” or based in deprived areas are less likely to try to recruit specialist science teachers than those with more affluent intakes, according to research.
The number of advertisements for specialist teachers in physics, biology and chemistry is “disproportionately low” among certain schools, such as those in coastal locations, in deprived areas and with low attaining pupils, the research shows. Sponsor-led academies also fell into this category.
However, grammars, single-sex schools, rural schools and certain types of faith schools are more likely to look for specialists, according to the findings, by the Gatsby Foundation charity.
The research comes on the day that the House of Commons public accounts committee has published a report that is highly critical of the government’s record on teacher recruitment and highlights variations in the number and type of teaching vacancies across the country.
Specialist teachers ‘vital’
Jenni French, programme manager at Gatsby Charitable Foundation, said: “Previous studies have shown that specialist physics teachers are a powerful predictor of pupil achievement and progression to further study.
“As such, it is vital that we recruit sufficient levels of specialist teachers, particularly in the schools that need them the most.”
According to a National Audit Office report in 2016, more than a third of physics lessons were being taught by teachers without a relevant post A-level qualification.
Last September, the president of the Royal Society of Chemistry Sir John Holman said a shortage of specialist science teachers was the “biggest challenge” facing schools in England.
The Gatsby Foundation research also found that boys-only schools and “outstanding” rated schools were more likely to re-advertise for science teaching roles than average.
The report states: “Repeat advertisements could reflect that the school is particular in appointing the right teachers rather than a more fundamental difficulty in recruiting.”
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