Government issued warning over specialist teacher shortage

• The Institute of Physics (IOP) has called for urgent action to address a significant shortage of specialist physics teachers in UK schools.
• Over 700,000 GCSE physics students could be without a specialist teacher, with an estimated 58 per cent of physics lessons taught by non-specialists.
• Students without access to specialist physics teachers are considerably less likely to pursue the subject at A-level, a trend more prevalent in disadvantaged areas.
• The IOP proposes a 10-year plan requiring an annual investment of £12 million to tackle the recruitment and retention crisis in physics teaching.
• The Department for Education states it is increasing teacher numbers, offering bursaries for STEM subjects, and has implemented pay awards to retain staff.

IN FULL

More than 700,000 GCSE students without specialist physics teachers as government urged to address shortage