Over a third of physics teachers have no degree

More than a third of physics teachers do not hold a degree in the subject, The Independent has reported.

According to government data, more than a fifth of maths teachers, and nearly the same amount of English staff, do not have higher qualifications than an A Level in these subjects.

Department for Education data also reveals that children in many English secondary schools are being taught other core academic subjects, including chemistry, geography and languages, by teachers lacking subject expertise.

The data shows that as of November last year, 37.3 per cent of physics teachers had no relevant post A Level qualifications in the subject and Press Association analysis shows that this has risen from 33.7 per cent five years ago.

Among maths teachers, 22.2 per cent did not hold a relevant degree last year, while in English it was 18.6 per cent. These figures have both dropped since 2011.

Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: “There is a serious shortage of teachers in many subjects and schools have no choice other than to ask teachers to teach subjects in which they do not have a degree. These staff do an excellent job in difficult circumstances, and may be teaching students lower down the age range.”