Physics teachers lacking degrees

MORE THAN a third of physics teachers do not hold a degree in the subject, official figures show.

In addition, more than a fifth of maths teachers, and almost the same proportion of English staff, hold no higher than an A-level in the disciplines. Government figures also show that in other core academic subjects, such as chemistry, geography and languages, many children in England’s secondary schools are being taught by teachers lacking subject expertise.

School leaders warned that there is a shortage of teachers in many subjects, leaving schools no choice but to ask staff to give lessons in subjects in which they do not have a degree.

The data, published by the Department for Education, shows that in November last year, 37.3 per cent of physics teachers held no relevant post A-level qualification in the subject.

An analysis shows that this proportion has risen from 33.7 per cent five years ago. Among maths teachers, 22.2 per cent did not hold a relevant degree last year, while in English it was 18.6 per cent. These figures have both dropped since 2011.

Geoff Barton, of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: “There is a serious shortage of teachers in many subjects and schools have no choice other than to ask teachers to teach subjects in which they do not have a degree. These staff do an excellent job in difficult circumstances, and may be teaching students lower down the age range.”

The ASCL is keen to help address the issue, he said.