The National Teaching Service was first introduced in 2015 by then Secretary of State for Education, Nicky Morgan MP. Her goal was to recruit 1,500 elite teachers and leaders to work in struggling schools across England to ensure that all children have access to high levels of education, regardless of where they live.

In 2015, Morgan stated that an initial pilot scheme would be launched in the North West to enlist 100 teachers by the end of September 2016.

Since the scheme was implemented it has struggled to gain traction and recruit the necessary staff. An update was issued in May of this year, signifying that only 10 teachers had been found for specified teaching roles within the scheme. Research suggests that the main reason for the low application rate was due to teachers not actually being made aware of the National Teaching Service scheme in the first place. Of those teachers who knew about the scheme, many were reluctant to apply due to concerns they may have to relocate.

However, it has been reported in recent weeks that the National Teaching Service has been cancelled. The pilot scheme failed to recruit the target number of 100 teachers, managing just 54 successful recruits, with only 24 available roles filled.

Teacher shortages are still a growing concern for schools, colleges and academies across England. Schools are spending increasing amounts of their annual budget on engaging supply teachers and covering the other various costs incurred because of staff shortages. Over £800 million was spent in 2015 on supply teachers.

Many educators and leaders alike are concerned with the lack of action being taken by the government to address this issue. The Select Committee stated earlier this year that the government has no immediate intention of solving the teacher shortage crisis. Moreover, school teachers suggest that they do not have confidence in the government to put forward realistic plans to help solve this ever-growing problem.

The National Teaching Service was introduced to help struggling schools across England by recruiting top talented teachers from around the country. However, the incentives offered have not been enough to attract the necessary amount of high calibre teachers to fill these roles. The government must continue to work on ensuring that more teachers are being recruited so that schools can operate within their budget and can offer their students the best quality education possible.