31,000 teachers short by 2004, say Tories

The United Kingdom will be 31,000 teachers short by 2004, according to Conservative Party projections.

Shadow education secretary Theresa May this week accused the government of arrogance in their attempts to attract people into teaching in the face of a growing crisis.

Demographic projections, based on education department figures, show that an extra 14,000 teachers will be required by 2004. But the country is already 2,000 teachers short of the required number and if that shortfall continues, say the Conservatives, then the gap between supply and demand could be 31,000 in four years.