31 Jul What’s Happening in UK Primary Schools This Week: Teacher Shortages, Exclusions, and Curriculum Changes
If you’re working in a UK primary school right now—whether as a supply teacher, full-time classroom teacher, or teaching assistant (TA)—you’ve probably felt that the education world hasn’t slowed down this summer. Between recruitment struggles, behaviour challenges, and shifts in the curriculum, there’s a lot happening that affects day-to-day life in schools.
Here’s a quick look at the big stories this week and what they mean for you.
Teacher Recruitment Struggles: More Pressure on Supply Staff
A new report from the Public Accounts Committee says the government’s pledge to recruit 6,500 new teachers is missing a clear plan. With nearly half of schools reporting at least one vacancy last year, and many colleges in even worse shape, it’s clear that finding and keeping teachers is still a huge challenge.
What does that mean in practice?
- Schools are leaning more heavily on supply teachers to cover lessons for longer periods.
- Teaching assistants are increasingly stepping up to take on classroom teaching duties.
- Behaviour issues and workload pressures are driving many teachers out of the profession—44% of leavers now cite poor behaviour as a reason for quitting.
If you’re a supply teacher with strong behaviour management skills, you’re likely to stay in high demand this year.
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Exclusions Are Rising – SEN Skills Needed
The latest data shows a 16% jump in permanent exclusions and a 21% rise in suspensions in English schools. Worryingly, over 470 children aged six or under were permanently excluded last year, and more than half of those excluded had special educational needs.
This is creating more pressure on schools and staff:
- TAs are playing a bigger role in supporting pupils with additional needs to try and prevent exclusions.
- Supply teachers are often parachuted into classes with high behaviour challenges, making classroom management skills essential.
- SEND training is becoming one of the most sought-after skills in both TA and supply teaching roles.
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Music Education Is Fading Away
Remember when almost every child learned to play the recorder? New figures show only 16% of primary pupils now do, compared to 28% a decade ago. Only half of primary schools offer any instrumental or vocal tuition at all.
For educators, that means:
- Fewer long-term music teaching roles for specialist supply teachers.
- Teaching assistants with arts or music skills are often being redirected into core subject support instead.
- Without new funding (campaigners are asking for £161 million), creative subjects may keep shrinking.
Oracy: The Curriculum Gap Teachers Are Filling Themselves
While government curriculum reforms haven’t made oracy (speaking and listening skills) a priority, over 1,000 schools are introducing it on their own. Teachers and TAs are finding ways to build pupils’ confidence through talk, presentations, and group discussion.
This is especially relevant for:
- Teaching assistants, who often lead small group sessions that can naturally build communication skills.
- Supply teachers, who can bring fresh approaches—debates, class discussions—that strengthen oracy even without official guidance.
Strong speaking skills can also help improve behaviour and reduce exclusions, making this an area worth focusing on in any classroom role.
What This Means for You
- Teacher shortages mean more long-term opportunities for supply teachers and more responsibility falling on TAs.
- Rising exclusions are driving demand for staff with SEND expertise and strong behaviour management skills.
- Creative subjects are declining, while oracy is growing organically through grassroots school initiatives.
- Upskilling—whether through SEND training, behaviour strategies, or communication-focused teaching—can open new doors in supply and TA work.
Related Articles
🔗The New EYFS Curriculum (September 2025): What Educators Need To Know
🔗Managing Behaviour As A Supply Teacher
🔗The Urgent Demand for Teaching Assistants and 1:1 SEN Support Staff
Whether you’re starting a new teaching or teaching assistant role, picking up supply work, or staying on full time, understanding these shifts can help you prepare for the year ahead and find ways to make a positive difference for your pupils despite the challenges.
Looking to find out more about working on supply? Contact us to have a chat with our team to discuss your requirements and to have a real conversation about how supply could work for you.
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