A primary career path as men go back to school

Latest figures from Provide Education show that 15 per cent of the teachers they now place in primary school jobs across the region are men. This follows a steady increase over the last few years and reflects national trends.

The recruitment agency, which is launching its annual recruitment drive to sign up more newly qualified teachers this month, expects to see even more male primary teachers joining the profession this year.

Director Barry Simmons said: “Our aim is to recruit good teachers into primary schools, whether they are male or female, but it is encouraging to see more men choosing to teach in this sector. The ratio of male to female teachers in secondary schools has always been about equal but we feel the small but significant increase in primary from about ten per cent to 15 per cent within just a couple of years is a positive thing.”

According to latest statistics published by the Department of Education, about a fifth of graduates training to work in primary schools are now men and the number has risen over the past six years.

Jamie Brammer previously worked as a sales representative before graduating from Sheffield Hallam University in 2012 and joined Provide Education as a supply teacher in 2015.

He said: “Teaching is hard work, but an incredibly rewarding career – you just need to go in with open eyes and an open heart.

“The best thing is seeing children experience that ‘light bulb’ moment when they suddenly understand what you are trying to teach them.”

Provide Education works with more than 2,200 teachers, teaching assistants and other support staff to fill vacancies in more than 500 schools across Yorkshire and the East Midlands.