HEADTEACHERS in the region gave a cautious welcome yesterday to figures showing teacher recruitment at its highest level for seven years.
About 29,000 people across the country are expected to start teacher training this year - the highest number since 1995.
A further 840 will join the graduate teacher programme where students learn the job while working in schools.
The figures were released by the Government's Teacher Training Agency.
John Heslop, North-East regional officer with the National Association of Headteachers, welcomed the news, but warned: "There is no mention that retention is satisfactory, nor does it mention that recruitment is satisfactory, it is just better than it used to be."
Doug McAvoy, National Union of Teachers general secretary, said: "The rise in applicants for training does not ensure that seven years later they are still teaching. The increase is welcome but it is the retention difficulties which need to be addressed."
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