Shortage of senior maths teachers in capital

Schools in the capital are facing mounting difficulties recruiting experienced maths teachers.

Experts said today that a generation of maths department heads approaching retirement are not being replaced.

Professor John Howson, director of Education Data Surveys, said that one in three of London's secondary schools that advertised for a maths head of department were forced to readvertise this year and some had to advertise three times, even though maths department heads can command salaries of £50,000 or more.

Professor Howson said: "We need to know whether candidates are just not applying or if the schools are not satisfied with the candidate." He warned that some schools may be forced to promote young teachers before they are ready.

Professor Howson also said that London's sky-high house prices had forced a lot of teachers to move out of the capital and urged ministers to allow comprehensives to pay more to senior maths teachers.