Wrong-footed

With the latest UCAS figures showing a slump in applications to teacher training courses of 11 per cent, improving teacher morale has leapt to the top of the Government's agenda. White paper initiatives to improve the self-esteem of the teaching profession this week included plans for teachers to become professors, with classroom-based promotion opportunities, and the establishment of a General Teaching Council.

But concerted action may not be that necessary after all. As a primary school child featured in the white paper's promotional video explains: "When I grow up I want to be a professional footballer. Or if not, a maths teacher."