More teachers are retiring early

Published: 01 January, 2007

The number of teachers in England taking early retirement is rising year on year, government figures show. Last year, 9,680 teachers in the state sector retired before they reached 60, compared to 6,740 five years earlier.

The figures, published in response to a parliamentary question from the Conservatives, showed a notable rise in secondary teachers bowing out early.

Early retirement in the private sector is also rising - 590 retired before 60 last year compared to 260 in 2000-01.

David Willetts, the Shadow Education Secretary, said the statistics showed teachers were struggling with poorly behaved pupils and repeated government initiatives. "These figures tell us where teachers are feeling most frustrated and least supported," he said.