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Teachers 'will need a licence to work'

Posted on 1st July 2009

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Teachers at independent schools – along with their state counterparts – will soon need a licence to work in the classroom, under government proposals.

Children's secretary Ed Balls announced the plan in parliament yesterday (June 30th), which is intended to highlighted educators who do not meet high standards.

If introduced, the licence will have to be renewed every five years and will be similar to the documentation doctors and lawyers need to practice.

The scheme formed part of a White Paper, titled Building a 21st Century Schools System, which aimed to offer new guarantees to parents and pupils, give more power to educational leaders and improve facilities.

Explaining the move, Mr Balls said: "Because a world-class schools system needs a world-class workforce, we are making teaching a Masters-level profession.

"I commend this statement to the House."

He said it was being introduced in order to "transform" the education system to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Mr Balls was appointed as children's secretary in June 2007. ADNFCR-921-ID-19246147-ADNFCR