Latest news: Maths graduates turn to teaching

High-achieving maths graduates are choosing to become teachers according to figures from the Teaching Agency (TA). 17/08/2012

Data reveals that almost one in five maths graduates are heading to the classroom. In addition, for the first time, over half of new maths trainee teachers have upper second-class degrees, or better.

The data shows that 18.5% of maths graduates surveyed three and a half years after graduating chose to go into teaching. TA's own data also shows that the proportion of maths graduates entering training with a 2:1 degree or better has risen from 44% to 51% in just three years.

Together, these figures confirm that teaching is an increasingly popular choice for the most able graduates, reflecting the good employment prospects which teaching currently enjoys. Teachers are also twice as likely to attain management positions early in their careers when compared to many of their fellow graduates.

Lin Hinnigan, chief executive of the Teaching Agency , commented, 'The fact that we are attracting more, high quality maths specialists into the classroom is excellent news and will help to raise attainment in maths in our schools.

'There are a few places remaining to start teacher training in maths this September, with tax-free bursaries of up to £20,000 available. People interested in teaching should apply to train now and take advantage of great employment prospects, career progression opportunities and a competitive starting salary.'

Graduates interested in a career in teaching maths should visit the Department for Education - Get into teaching or contact the TA's maths line on 0800 953 4988.