NEWLY qualified primary school teachers returning to the Island are not finding jobs as easily as they had in previous years.

The head of evaluation and standards for Education, Cliff Chipperfield, said: ‘Five years ago we were worried about the lack of teachers returning to the Island, but we have benefited from the incentives being offered in the UK and currently we have enough teachers in the Island for most areas.’ He said that did not, however, reflect longer-term requirements.

‘The concern is that people making career decisions now may believe there is less of a demand, so will not apply for teacher-training, the effect of which will be felt in the future.’ Around 20 newly qualified primary school teachers returned to the Island last year, the same number as in recent years, but following a reduction in class size and with the amalgamation of La Pouquelaye and St Mark’s schools there have been fewer posts available.