Teacher retention and turnover data: FOI release

Information requested

1. Teacher Retention and Turnover Rates:

Data on teacher retention rates and turnover (attrition rates) in Scotland from 1st January 2018 to the present, broken down by,

• Permanent teachers
• Fixed-term teachers
• Supply teachers

2. Reasons for Leaving the Profession:

Any available reports, analysis, or data that identify the reasons for teachers leaving the profession or having difficulty securing permanent employment, particularly in relation to:

• The availability or permanent positions
• Working conditions
• Pay or financial incentives
• The availability of supply work

If possible, provide this data for each academic year from 2018 to present.

Response

Request 1 - Teachers Retention and Turnover Rates

I enclose copies of all of the documents we have relevant to the information you requested. The following explains where in each document the relevant information is located:

- December 2018 modelling - section 2.1 Leaver rates and 2.2 Returner rates (both permanent only), 2.6 Post-probationer employment rates (permanent and temporary)
- October 2019 modelling - section 2.3 Leaver rates and 2.4 Returners (both permanent only), 3.2 Postprobationer employment rates (permanent and temporary)
- November 2020 modelling - section 2.3 Leavers (wastage) and returners modelling changes, section 2.4 Wastage rates (excluding probationers), 2.5. Returners, 2.6. Teachers Induction Scheme (TIS) wastage rates, 2.7. Historic post Teacher Induction Scheme employment rates
- October 2021 modelling - 3.4. Wastage Rates (Excluding probationers), 3.5.Returners, 3.6. Teacher Induction Scheme (TIS) Wastage rates
- March 2022 modelling - 2. Post Probation Employment, 4. Assumptions for meeting increased teacher targets
- October 2022 modelling - 2.4. Wastage Rates (Excluding probationers), 3.5. Returners, 3.6 Teacher Induction Scheme (TIS) Wastage rates
- November 2023 modelling - 2.4. Wastage Rates (Excluding probationers), 3.5. Returners, 3.6 Teacher Induction Scheme (TIS) Wastage rates

Some of the information you have requested is available from https://www.gov.scot/publications/postprobationer-teacher-employment-dashboard/ for Post Probationer employment dashboard, and https://www.gov.scot/publications/teacher-census-supplementary-statistics/ for Teachers census supplementary statistics 2020 onwards Table 1.6 . Under section 25(1) of FOISA, we do not have to give you information which is already reasonably accessible to you. If, however, you do not have internet access to obtain this information from the website(s) listed, then please contact me again and I will send you a paper copy.

Request 2 - Reasons for Leaving the Profession

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the Scottish Government does not have the information you have requested relating to the reason for leaving the profession. However, we have attached information relating to Health and Wellbeing and Workload reviews from the EIS and AHDS which you may find useful.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at https://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.

FOI 202400434716 - Information released - Annex

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PDF

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5.3 MB