Male teachers missed in primary schools

30/09/2008

New research out today underlines the shortage of male school teachers currently afflicting Britain's primary schools.

A survey of over 800 men by the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) found 48 per cent said male primary school teachers had acted as a fundamental role model.

Furthermore, 35 per cent said having a male teacher challenged them to work harder while 22 per cent said this helped build their confidence while they were young.

Despite this at present only 13 per cent of all primary school teachers are male. This figure is slowly increasing, by around one percentage point a year, according to figures from the General Teaching Council.

TDA chief executive Graham Holley says redressing the gender balance can help ensure the healthy development of today's children.

"Not everyone can be a sports star or TV star, but they can be a 'star' in the classroom and help inspire thousands of young minds," he said.

"We need to celebrate the important roles both male and female teachers play in schools."

Those inspired to help influence thousands of young lives have only nine weeks to apply for postgraduate training courses this year, as the deadline for applications for primary school teacher training looms.