It is widely accepted that the quality of teachers is one of the most important factors in improving our education system. In this long inquiry, which heard evidence from a range of sources, the Education Committee examined the characteristics which define the best teachers, and at how to develop policies which will attract those candidates to the profession, train and develop them, and retain them.
The Committee published its report, 'Great teachers', on 25 April 2012. It includes a number of recommendations concerning the recruitment, training and retention of teachers which the Committee hopes will help to develop this valuable and vital profession. You can read the Committee's report (which includes a short executive summary and a separate list of conclusions and recommendations) by clicking here - The Education Committee's Ninth Report of the 2010-12 session Great teachers: attracting, training and retaining the best (HC 1515), published 1st May 2012
As ever, the Committee grounded its recommendations in the evidence it had heard, from a wide range of experts and stakeholders. The Inquiry received over 60 written submissions, and took oral evidence from a range of witnesses. A full list of witnesses and a list of the written submissions received can be found by clicking here Great teachers: written evidence and oral evidence sessions
Additionally, the Committee held a number of other meetings or visits to inform its inquiry, including as part of a four-day trip to Singapore. Reports of those meetings and visits are annexed to the full report.