Are Teachers Leaving Scotland Due to Job Shortages on Supply Lists?

The ongoing teacher job crisis in Scotland has led to many newly qualified educators either remaining on supply lists for years or seeking employment abroad due to a lack of permanent positions. Analysis reveals that a staggering 75% of newly qualified teachers are not securing permanent roles, which has prompted some, like Louise Fraser, to relocate to places like Dubai for job security. The Scottish government acknowledges the issue but cites increased employment costs and a rise in teacher numbers as part of the complexity of the situation.

Last updated: 30 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The employment landscape for newly qualified teachers in Scotland has become increasingly dire, with only 25% securing permanent posts following their probationary year. This situation is particularly acute in primary education, where nearly 90% of teachers are either in temporary positions or entirely out of the profession. The Scottish government has acknowledged the crisis but faces challenges in meeting the demand for teachers due to rising employment costs.

Key takeaways

Only 25% of newly qualified teachers in Scotland secure permanent jobs.
Many teachers are turning to overseas positions for job security.
Emotional and financial distress is rampant among those on temporary contracts.

Timeline: how we got here

The crisis has developed over several years, with key milestones including:

2021: The Scottish government promises to tackle teacher workload by employing 3,500 additional teachers.
2022: A slight increase in teacher numbers is noted, but the challenges remain.
2023: Reports reveal that only 568 of 2,294 newly qualified teachers secure permanent positions, with 75% on temporary contracts.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The emotional impact on teachers is coming to light, with accounts of significant debt and mental health struggles emerging. This week, teachers have shared experiences of desperation, with reports of being unable to secure stable work despite multiple interviews.

What was already established

It has been well-documented that many newly qualified teachers are struggling to find permanent roles. The Scottish government aims to improve the situation, but the progress has been slow, and many teachers remain in temporary or supply positions.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For families in Scotland, the lack of permanent teaching staff can lead to unstable educational experiences for children, impacting their learning and development. The reliance on supply teachers can result in inconsistencies in teaching quality.

Businesses and jobs

Businesses may face long-term challenges due to a poorly educated workforce if the teaching crisis continues. Additionally, the financial strain on teachers who cannot secure stable jobs may affect local economies, as they have less disposable income.

Policy and regulation

The Scottish government has committed to restoring teacher numbers, with a £186.5 million funding package allocated for local authorities in 2025-26. However, the effectiveness of these funds remains uncertain, as many councils report financial pressures that hinder recruitment.

Numbers that matter

2,294 newly qualified teachers completed their probation year in 2024/25.
Only 568 secured permanent roles, equating to 25% of those qualified.
Approximately 11–12% of primary teachers had a permanent job in their first year after probation.
4,310 fewer teachers are currently employed compared to the 2021 Scottish Government pledge.
Teachers with permanent positions are reportedly working an average of a day-and-a-half extra unpaid each week.

Definitions and jargon buster

**Teacher Induction Scheme**: A programme for newly qualified teachers in Scotland to complete their probationary period and gain experience.
**EIS**: The Educational Institute of Scotland, the main teaching union representing educators in Scotland.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, the Scottish government will need to work closely with local councils to ensure that promised funding is allocated effectively to hire new teachers.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the government seeks to restore teacher numbers, it will be crucial to monitor the uptake of these positions and assess whether the funding is leading to meaningful job creation.

Signals to watch

Updates on teacher recruitment numbers in local councils.
Changes in government policy regarding teacher employment and funding.
Feedback from teaching unions on the impact of these changes.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about job openings and recruitment drives launched by the Scottish government.
Consider alternative qualifications or specialisations that may be in demand, such as maths or science teaching.

Don’t

Do not hesitate to seek support from teaching unions if facing employment issues.
Avoid despair; many teachers are in similar situations, and resources are available for support.

Checklist

Check local authority websites for teaching vacancies regularly.
Network with other educators and join professional teaching organisations.
Keep your CV updated and targeted towards desired teaching roles.
Explore opportunities for international teaching positions if local options remain limited.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the Scottish government is making efforts to address the teacher shortage, the situation remains fluid. The impact of funding on actual job creation is uncertain, and many councils are still facing financial difficulties which could hinder effective recruitment. Additionally, the emotional toll on teachers could lead to further attrition from the profession.

Bottom line

The teacher job crisis in Scotland poses significant challenges for both educators and students. With many newly qualified teachers unable to secure stable positions, the Scottish government must act decisively to address these issues to ensure a robust education system. Ensuring job security for teachers is essential for the future of education in Scotland.

FAQs

Why are so many teachers struggling to find permanent jobs in Scotland?

The current teacher job crisis in Scotland is largely due to budget constraints faced by local councils, which have led to a reliance on temporary contracts instead of permanent positions.

What support is available for teachers on temporary contracts?

Teachers facing challenges with temporary contracts can seek support from teaching unions, which provide resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy for better working conditions.

How is the Scottish government addressing the teacher shortage?

The Scottish government has committed funding to local councils aimed at restoring teacher numbers and improving job security, although the effectiveness of these measures is still being evaluated.