SCHOOLS are unable to employ experienced teachers because they cost too much, it was claimed today.
The headteacher of All Saints RC Primary in Sale, John Kerrane, said he has been appointing younger staff in a bid to keep costs low.
Mr Kerrane, 57, says he doesn't want to discriminate against older, more experienced teachers - like the much-loved "Mr Chips" in the film from the classic James Hilton story.
But to keep the school's budget balanced, he has repeatedly appointed younger teachers because they are far cheaper.
A newly-qualified teacher costs the school around £18,000 a year, but the cost of a more experienced teacher can top £32,000. So Mr Kerrane says the age and experience of a teacher - and their salary costs - has become an important factor in recruiting staff.
"I can't remember the last time I appointed anyone who was over 40," said Mr Kerrane. "Realistically, you have to cut your cloth according to whatever money you have got. If you have a limited budget, you can't even consider someone on the upper pay level.
"And when I leave, I would advise the governors to appoint a youngish head."
Experience
Karen Hopwood, executive NASUWT member for Greater Manchester, believes it could be widespread, with many schools opting to appoint staff on cost grounds rather than experience.
She said: "If you go back a number of years, newly-qualified teachers were brought into schools one at a time so the more experienced on the staff could support them.
"I have often had older, more experienced teachers applying for a post, but it has been taken by a newly-qualified teacher. Often, they have had the suspicion that the decision has been taken on financial grounds. It is just a feeling that's around."
Conservative MP for Altrincham and Sale, Graham Brady, has already raised the issue in the House of Commons. He fears the financial squeeze facing schools means that instead of recruiting the best teachers, they will be forced to hire less experienced staff.
"It is regrettable that schools are being forced into that position," he said.
A spokesman for the Department for Education and Skills said: "Teacher recruitment is a matter for schools and the type of teacher appointed will depend on what grade of post is being advertised."
Comments
Login or Register to comment
Has nobody noticed this already. My girlfriend is training to be a teacher now and is more than happy as she is bound to get a job far easier than my mother who has got 14 years experience and is expensive. She can't move job now even if she wanted to as she is far too expensive. It is a sorry state of affairs.
Teaching, like any other job, has become about quantity rather than quanlity. Look at these new inititives to keep kids in school...you don't even need to be there to win, just have a sick note for the day. Teaching is now more about keeping 30 kids off the street as opposed to helping to teach them the skills and lesson they need to good and productive people. I say 'helping' 'cos their perants should be teaching them this first but seem to shirk responsiblity at any given opportunity!!!