Teacher numbers fall by 10,000 in a year in England
The number of teachers in England's state school system fell by 10,000 in the year to November, new figures show.
Government data on the school workforce shows teacher numbers have dropped for the first time in years.
Ministers say three quarters of the reduction is among teachers employed directly by local councils - for example as tutors or schools advisors.
The head teachers' body ASCL says budget pressure means heads are making difficult decisions to cut staff.
The drop of 10,000 is 2% of the full-time equivalent teaching posts in England's schools.
Teacher numbers had been growing steadily in recent years, increasing by 32,000 (7.9%) between spring 2000 and November 2011.
The total number working in England's state school system is now 438,000 - a fall of 10,000 from 2010, a workforce survey taken in November shows.
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... (BBC News - 25 April)