One third of trainee teachers work to fund training course

The survey, which questioned 492 students and newly qualified teachers, found that almost a third of trainees have had a paid job while undertaking their teaching training course.

Of these, almost 10 per cent work 21 hours or more per week and 30 per cent work 11 to 20 hours.

One respondent, a student from Middlesex, said: "I don't agree we should have to pay tuition fees to train to be a teacher.  In other public services such as the NHS and police you do not have to pay. It is unfair and adds extra pressure. Without my family support, I would have never been able to afford to do the PGCE."

The results of the survey were released at the association's annual conference in Manchester this week.

Further results show that more than a quarter have had to take out a personal loan to support their studies or living costs.   

ATL general secretary Dr Mary Bousted said: "I think everyone understands you will be in debt after any higher education course, but if students have to do long hours of paid work to support their studies, their grades will undoubtedly suffer. This is not in anyone's interests.