Tory think tank takes swipe at teachers

Politeia, whose advisory council includes Tory shadow cabinet members Oliver Letwin, Francis Maude and David Willetts, commissioned the report, which was co-authored by infamous ex-chief inspector of schools Chris Woodhead.

The report claimed that "there is a crisis of recruitment which the official figures mask.

"At each stage, regulations and targets undermine the recruitment of good teachers and their retention.

"The emphasis at recruitment is on numbers, not quality. As a result, many trainees may not be up to the job.

"The assessment system fails to act as a check and allows even the weakest candidates through," the report went on.

"The employment system rests on a myriad of regulations and different books of rules which bind both teacher and school.

"They do not allow for what really matters to the able and dedicated teachers - the freedom to teach their subject their way and inspire their pupils."

But teaching union ATL general secretary Mary Bousted said: "The claims made in this report do not reflect reality. They are just recycling the same, tired old myths.

"All the feedback from our members is that the current teachers and recruits are the best ever in the profession.

"The majority of new teachers no longer come straight from college. Most have now worked outside teaching and bring a wealth of experience to the classroom," she added.

National Union of Teachers general secretary Steve Sinnott said: "This is an unduly negative report that raises questions over the quality of staff whose skills are already regularly assessed by Ofsted and are required to pass the qualified teachers skills tests in numeracy, literacy and IT before being able to finish training as a teacher.

"The quality of the staff teaching in our schools today is some of the best we have ever had.

"However, teaching in schools by unqualified staff is an issue that has raised concern," he conceded.

"What is now required is a review of the present arrangements to ensure that all pupils are taught by a fully qualified teacher, supported by teaching assistants who are valued and respected."

Schools Minister Jim Knight said: "I see no value in undermining our teachers, who do such a good job for our children every day."