Majority in our poll want higher salaries for new teachers

Teachers’ starting salaries will go up to £26,000 in England later this year, rising to £30,000 in two years’ time as the government aims to make the profession more attractive.
New teachers are to receive higher salaries from later this year.New teachers are to receive higher salaries from later this year.
New teachers are to receive higher salaries from later this year.

Is this the right move? We asked in our Facebook poll: “Do you think wages should be higher for new recruits into teaching?”

At the time of writing, almost 1,000 people had voted with 55% saying yes, 45% no. Here are some of the comments we received.

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Peter Young said: “New teachers will need to like most of their working day and spare time drowning in paperwork/ planning / policy and procedures etc. Little time left for nurturing their pupils in the classroom these days. More money can't hide stress!”

Rachel Elizabeth Marshall asked: “How about investing in making the profession workable and retaining teaching staff? While you do need to make it attractive for those whose degrees can land better paid less stressful jobs, improving the profession for everyone will have better benefits long term.”

Lynne Veitch thinks: “Fine to increase wages for new recruits, but what about those already in the profession? Experience and a proven success record also need to be rewarded.”

Steven Dean said: “As an ex-teacher, I think even doubling the wage wouldn't be enough.”

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Graeme Collinson: “Police, fire, nurses – yes. Teachers no.”

Anne Bingham said: “I don’t know where people get teachers only work five days and have loads of holidays. My son is a special needs teacher, he works every night after work doing lesson plans and other things.”