More than two thirds (68 per cent) of senior leaders in international schools say that Covid has had a negative impact on teacher recruitment, new research from the Council of British International Schools finds.
The study, based on around 1,600 survey responses from senior leaders and teachers, also revealed that 91 per cent of British international school leaders find recruiting quality teachers “somewhat” or “very challenging”. This is slightly higher than the response from early 2020 (88 per cent), but lower than the 94 per cent reported in 2018.
Some other key findings of the report, produced in partnership with ISC Research were:
- 40 per cent of school leaders report a lower volume of applications for each post, compared to two years ago, and only 19 per cent report that they are always able to recruit candidates that meet their expectations (down from 25 per cent in 2020 and 26 per cent in 2018)
- 68 per cent of senior leaders report Covid measures have had a negative impact on teacher recruitment;
- 56 per cent report a negative impact on teacher retention;
- 94 per cent report a negative impact on teacher wellbeing;
- 88 per cent report a negative impact on teacher workload.
- 66 per cent of senior leaders have implemented enhanced staff wellbeing initiatives to support teacher retention.
- The main reasons teachers give for choosing to teach internationally continue to be travel and cultural exploration (59 per cent), enjoyment and challenge (59 per cent), career growth (49 per cent), salary (47 per cent).
- The percentage reporting dissatisfaction with the home education system as a reason for working internationally has decreased to 33 per cent (down from 42 per cent in 2020 and 47 per cent in 2018).
- 49 per cent of incoming teachers say they are definitely or possibly planning to return to teaching in the UK in the future (up from 43 per cent and 44 per cent in 2020 and 2018).
To see the report in full, click here.
