But union claims large numbers lack teaching qualifications
The English Schools Foundation has received a 50 per cent increase in applications in its annual teacher recruitment drive but staff have dismissed the success, claiming that many applications are 'junk'.
In the first major recruitment exercise since management imposed a 9.2 per cent cut in pay and benefits due to come into force this September, the ESF attracted 1,588 applicants for 130 jobs, compared with 1,069 for 108 jobs last year.
'We seem to have improvements in both quantity and quality of applications,' said Peter Craughwell, the ESF's communications director. 'The feeling from principals is that the field is better than ever.'
Ed Wickins, principal of King George V School, said: 'We are delighted with the quality of applications for senior posts. We have been able to field six exceptional candidates for an assistant principal post. There are more serious candidates than last year.'
However, Julian Harniess, chairman of the Association of Professional Teachers of ESF Schools, said: 'From what I have heard, and my own experience, the quality is junk,' he said.