Press release

School Direct figures published today

More than 22,000 graduates have applied to become teachers via the School Direct programme, Department for Education figures published today show.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government
Teacher portrait

Between October 2012 and April 2013, 65,040 applications were received for School Direct places starting in the 2013 to 2014 academic year. This represents applications from 22,490 applicants.

There have been 34,130 applications for secondary school teacher training places, and 30,910 applications for primary school places.

The most applications have been received for key English Baccalaureate (EBacc) subjects - English, history, maths and modern languages - and for physical education.

Applications by subject to School Direct training programme and School Direct training programme (salaried)

Subject School Direct training programme School Direct training programme (salaried)
Chemistry 770 700
Physics 290 350
Mathematics 1,640 2,040
Modern languages 1,330 1,400
Biology 550 550
Computer science 260 290
English 3,570 3,160
Geography 510 280
History 2,080 1,340
Music 370 380
Physical education 4,210 2,720
Art and design 580 280
Business studies 280 170
Dance 340 10
Design and technology 300 180
Drama 1,190 350
Psychology 160 220
Religious education 410 150
Social sciences/social studies 150 100
Other subjects 280 230
Total secondary 19,240 14,890
Primary 11,590 19,320
Total 30,830 34,210

Source: School Direct portal 30 April 2013

Charlie Taylor, chief executive of the National College for Teaching and Leadership, said:

School Direct is a response to what schools told us they wanted. It gives schools a greater role in selecting and recruiting the best trainees – those who have the potential to be great teachers. It enables schools to choose the staff they need.

Schools have requested as many as 9,440 School Direct places. It is now for schools to decide how best to use these places to meet their needs. It is right that schools will be selective, choosing only the best graduates and those best suited to the school.

There are 2 School Direct programmes open to graduates:

  • the School Direct training programme is a fee-based programme - paid for by the trainee through the Student Loans Scheme - which offers well-qualified graduates the opportunity to train in a school
  • the School Direct training programme (salaried) is an employment-based route available to graduates with 3 years’ work experience and ensures trainees are paid a salary while they train

These figures are available via the School Direct website.

DfE enquiries

Central newsdesk - for journalists 020 7783 8300

General enquiries - for members of the public 0370 000 2288

Published 7 May 2013