More men applying for teacher training posts

The Training and Development Agency, which is responsible for teacher training, has recorded a 49 per cent increase in the number of men applying to become teachers, from 7,885 in 2008/9 to 11,721 in 2009/10.

The surge in applications for primary school training has been even greater, with a 52 per cent increase recorded during the same period.

A TDA spokeswoman said that the recession and a ‘culture shift' among men in their perception of teaching as a career path had caused the increase.

Graham Holley, TDA chief executive, said: "Teaching is a profession with increasing status that is becoming more and more competitive. There has been a sharp rise in applications to teacher training from people working in other professions. They recognise that teaching can fulfil their ambitions, provide challenges and offer rewards such as a competitive salary and great opportunities for career progression."

Other findings include an increase of 33 per cent in the number of applicants applying to teach maths between 2008/9 and 2009/10.