Teachers' numbers up over decade

The number of teachers in England's schools has risen by more than 36,000 in the past decade, ministers say.

There has also been an increase of 155,000 in support staff because of changes and investments they say.

The figures were released in response to parliamentary questions from former Education Secretary David Blunkett.

Mr Blunkett, who led the Education Department from 1997 to 2001, said that they provided a "phenomenal good news story" about the government's record.

He said: "Contrary to the cynicism and downbeat message that is so often portrayed on progress and improvement over the last 10 years, these figures tell a phenomenal good news story which should boost the morale of both parents and teachers alike.

"It is time to celebrate the results of both investment and reform as building blocks to further improvement and change in the years ahead."

The figures, provided by education minister Jim Knight, showed there were 435,600 full-time equivalent teaching posts in English schools in 2006, compared to 399,200 in 1997.

There were 287,530 support staff - including teaching assistants, special needs and minority ethnic pupil support staff, administrative and clerical workers, technicians and medical and child care staff - in 2006, compared to 133,480 in 1997.

The government made changes to allow teaching assistants to play a greater role in schools, partly to free teachers to prepare and mark work.

At secondary level, there are still shortages of teachers in certain subjects.