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2w ago

Teacher Shortages Force Poorer Schools to Drop Key A-Levels, Deepening Inequality

A new survey reveals stark disparities in A-level subject availability between disadvantaged and affluent schools, as the government faces criticism over its teacher recruitment pledge.

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Overview

  • Teach First's survey shows 9% of disadvantaged schools have dropped physics A-level and 31% have cut computer science, compared to 1% and 11% in affluent areas.
  • Subjects like French, Spanish, and music are also disproportionately unavailable in poorer schools, limiting students' academic and career opportunities.
  • Teacher vacancies in England have reached record highs, doubling pre-2010 rates, with disadvantaged schools struggling to attract and retain staff.
  • The Department for Education highlights progress in recruiting STEM teachers, including a 25% rise in trainee acceptances and a new £233m incentive fund.
  • Critics, including the National Audit Office, warn that the government's 6,500-teacher pledge lacks a clear delivery plan and may fail to address existing shortages.