Council chiefs have been warned about a looming shortage of senior teachers in Aberdeen with the majority of primary heads approaching retirement.
A new report to the local authority’s education committee reveals that 71% of primary heads in the Granite City are aged between 45 and 60 while 18 deputy heads are only covered under temporary “acting” arrangements.
Teacher recruitment has been a long-running issue throughout the north-east with public sector staff historically put off by the high cost of living in the region.
Yet, following the oil crash, rents have dropped dramatically in some areas leading to questions being asked as to why more teachers aren’t starting at Aberdeen’s schools.
Suggestions put forward to next week’s committee include reduced rent schemes and potentially “golden handcuff” arrangements where teachers would have to commit themselves to extended contacts.
Incoming council education convener, John Wheeler, acknowledged that teacher recruitment was a “historic problem” but hinted the new Conservative, Aberdeen Labour and independent administration may have devised a plan.
He said: “This administration is absolutely committed to making education a priority over the next five years.
“The teachers we do have work incredibly hard in what can be a very tough environment.
“I don’t want to pre-empt any major policy announcements, but I can assure the people that this is something we take very seriously.”
However, Aberdeen Central SNP MSP Kevin Stewart argued the council now needed to find ways to attract more teachers – pointing to successes in comparable council areas.
He said: “The Scottish Government has increased the amount of teacher training places and supported key workers including helping teachers to find accommodation.
“Now it is up to the council to put plans in place to attract more teachers to our city.
“Other local authorities have been successful in attracting teachers and the council should establish schemes to make our city more attractive to workers.”
Education committee member Martin Greig said: “The council needs to face up to the growing problem that teachers in management positions are being put under far too much strain.
“There is just not enough support for the demanding roles in senior positions in schools.
“The staffing problem needs to be tackled head on. The solutions are for the long term.”
