Record numbers apply to teach science and maths

According to the most recent figures from the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA), the number of graduates applying to teach science is up by 40% on last year, while for maths the figures are up by 33%. These figures have exceeded the targets for the year by 9 and 8% respectively. Furthermore, a breakdown of the figures also shows that the quality of teachers has risen, with 61% of primary trainees and 58% of secondary trainees attaining 2:1s or higher at university.

While further findings from the Graduate Teacher Training Registry also showed that there were more applications from women than men, and that there has been a surge in inquiries from people hoping to switch careers as the recession hits jobs.

A total of 1,390 candidates applied to teach maths this year, compared to 1,047 last year. While for science the figures were even more striking - 2,014 candidates applied to teach science this year, compared to only 1,435 last year.

Applications for teacher training courses overall are up by more than 10,000 after the coalition pledged funding for frontline teachers would be protected, despite cuts elsewhere in the public sector. However the TDA warned that still more graduates with good degrees were required - claiming that around 6,000 science and maths teachers are required each year.

Luke Graham, head of recruitment at the TDA, said: "Over the last 18 months of the recession, many people have re-evaluated what they're looking for in their careers, and teaching has compared favourably. It gives people variety, the opportunity to use their subject knowledge and, most importantly, to make a real difference."