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<p>Postgraduate initial teacher training is only one of many routes into the teacher
workforce, all of which are considered when calculating targets. Other routes include
Undergraduate higher education institution (HEI) courses, Assessment Only (AO), the
upcoming teacher degree apprenticeship, returners, new to the state-funded sector
entrants and newly qualified entrants that defer entry into the profession (deferrers).</p><p>The
2024/25 postgraduate initial teacher training recruitment target of 580 for Religious
Education (RE) is the highest since 2018/19 (if we exclude the 655 in 2023/24). Therefore,
the current target is quite high compared to the recent historical time series. The
target fell by 11.5% this year, which is in line with the fall of 9.1% for the overall
secondary target.</p><p>These targets were calculated by the Teacher Workforce Model,
and the fall was driven by two key factors. Firstly, recruitment forecasts for both
returners and teachers that are new to the state-funded sector (including deferrer
NQEs, newly qualified entrants) are more favourable this year. If we expect to recruit
more teachers from these sources, all else being equal, we require fewer newly qualified
entrants, and thus teacher trainees.</p><p>Secondly, whilst secondary pupil numbers
are still growing, they are now growing more slowly; in advance of peaking around
2025/26. This acts to reduce the rate at which the workforce needs to grow and has
helped lead to this year’s lower overall secondary target.</p><p>Finally, it is important
to note that teacher training recruitment is unlimited this year; a lower recruitment
target does not necessarily mean lower levels of recruitment.</p><p>Further information
may be found in the following publication: <a href="https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/postgraduate-initial-teacher-training-targets"
target="_blank">https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/postgraduate-initial-teacher-training-targets</a>.</p><p><br></p>
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