Posted on Monday 5th Dec 2016
A scheme to recruit good teachers to work in deprived areas has been dropped, the government has confirmed.
The National Teaching Service was announced by England's then Education Secretary, Nicky Morgan, in 2015.
The plan was for 1,500 outstanding teachers and leaders to be deployed by 2020 "to the schools that need them most", with a pilot in the North West.
But following the pilot "we can confirm that we will not be progressing", said a Department for Education spokesman.
The original plan was to send "the country's best teachers and leaders to underperforming schools that struggle to attract and retain the professionals they need", according to a speech made by Mrs Morgan to the Policy Exchange think-tank in November 2015.
The initiative was part of a government plan "to give every child an excellent education".
"Too many places are lagging behind, meaning young people in these areas are not being given a fair shot," said the government at the time.
NTS staff would work with schools for a period of up to three years in a bid to drive up standards.
An initial pilot was launched to enlist up to 100 teachers and leaders to work in primary and secondary schools in the North West from September 2016.
Can't find what you are looking for?
Don't worry, please call us anyway to discuss your ideal job.
Latest News
10/06/25'I couldn't imagine not teaching full-time - until I had my baby'
Alice returned to work three days a week at Oasis Academy Warndon in April and is on a flexible working arrangement for the next year, which means she can also take Oliver to regular baby group sessions. She believes delivering more flexible working options for teachers - especially those who are new parents - is going to be key to addressing ongoing issues with recruitment and retention in the profession. She wants all new parent teachers to be offered such flexibility, to allow them to "feel confident that taking that step forward in their personal life isn't going to lead to a step back in their professional life".
02/06/25£740 million allocated for 10,000 new places for pupils with SEND
£740 million allocated for 10,000 new places for pupils with SEND New SEND places to create more inclusive classrooms in mainstream schools, delivering on Plan for Change to break down barriers to opportunity. From: Department for Education and The Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP Published 27 March 2025
29/05/25Children with special needs in England may lose legal right to school support plans
Hundreds of thousands of children with special needs could lose their legal entitlement to extra support in schools in England under plans being considered by ministers, a move that campaigners warn could force thousands more pupils out of mainstream education.
23/05/25More Teachers to benefit from flexible working Government extend successful programme that supports teachers to plan lessons from home, job-share or work flexible hours.
Press release More Teachers to benefit from flexible working. Government extend successful programme that supports teachers to plan lessons from home, job-share or work flexible hours.
20/05/25Headteachers in England, Wales and NI say Send provision crisis is worsening
Headteachers in England, Wales and NI say Send provision crisis is worsening Nine out of 10 school leaders tell survey they are finding it harder to meet special needs of pupils than a year ago. Almost all (98%) of the respondents to a National Association of Head Teachers’ (NAHT) poll covering England, Wales and Northern Ireland said they did not have the resources to meet the needs of all their pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (Send).
News Archive