30 per cent of teachers that started in 2010 have quit within five years

Schools Minister Nick Gibb has revealed that of the 24,100 state school teachers to qualify in 2010, 30 per cent had quit by 2015.

Gibb revealed the figures in answer to a question from Liberal Democrat MP Greg Mulholland, in a written parliamentary answer.

The Liberal Democrats blame Michael Gove's term as education secretary, who turned more than half of secondary schools into academies, reshaped the curriculum and rewrote the exam system.

The figures show that in November 2010 24,100 newly qualified teachers entered English state schools. After one year 87 per cent were still there. After two years 82 per cent were still there. This fell to 77 per cent after three years, 73 per cent after four years and 70 per cent after five years.

Liberal Democrat education spokesman John Pugh said: ”It is bad enough that dedicated teachers are being driven away from the profession they love, but this is also laying the foundations for a disastrous teaching shortage in years to come if we cannot train new teachers fast enough to replace the ones which leave.

"The government must urgently work with the teaching community to address the many factors which are making teachers feel demoralised and under-valued; as well as reversing their devastating cuts to school budgets, which are putting increasing pressure on teachers and schools."

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