Growth in number of teacher training students

The number of initial teacher training students has continued to grow this year with a total 31,885 first year students compared to 30,765 in 2000/01. The latest statistics released by the Higher Education Statistics Agency also show a widening gap in the routes that students take in becoming qualified teachers. The number of students taking a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) has risen from 20,740 to 22,095. However a fall is shown in those choosing a BEd or other first degree ITT qualification from 10,025 last year to 9,790 this year. The data is detailed in the publication 'HE Statistics for the United Kingdom' published today by HESA and produced in conjunction with National Statistics.

The data relates to students who are taking initial or pre-service teacher training courses leading to qualified teacher status. The number of those qualifying has also continued to grow. This year 26,825 students qualified compared to 25,490 in 2000/01 and 24,630 in 1999/2000. This followed falls in the numbers of those qualifying between 1997/98 and 1999/2000. Women still out number men in this field, with over three times as many hoping to join the profession, 20,445 against just 6,375 men.

HESA also looked at non-credit bearing courses offered by HE institutions. This year there were a total of 726,781 students taking courses of professional and personal development. The number of these at an advanced or HE level had been in steady decline until last year when numbers enrolled stood at 511,789 compared to 456,508 in 1999/2000. However this year the downward trend appears to have resumed with only 438,734 students on these courses. The chart below shows the differing trends in non-credit bearing courses at various levels over the past 5 years.

(1) Includes mixed HE/FE and those courses for which level could not be determined. FE/non-advanced courses are not shown separately on this chart but are included in the 'all levels' total.

Notes for editors

1. All numbers of students quoted above have been rounded to the nearest 5. Data relating to non-credit bearing courses does not require rounding. Data relates to UK domiciled students only.
2. The Reference Volume: Higher Education Statistics for the United Kingdom 2001/02 provides a statistical overview of higher education in the UK.
3. The Reference Volume is available from the Customer Services Team, HESA Services Ltd., 95 Promenade, Cheltenham, GL50 1HZ; telephone: 01242 211155. An electronic version on CD-ROM is also available. A list of other publications can be obtained from the Customer Services Team.
4. HESA cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived from the data by third parties.
5. Press enquiries should be directed to Press Officer at HESA, 95 Promenade, Cheltenham, GL50 1HZ; telephone 01242 211136.

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