A DROP in new teachers applying and thousands leaving the profession mean covering classes can be impossible for schools.

The headteacher of Woodhey High School in Ramsbottom said his school had seen a drop in new teachers applying for jobs and covering long term absences has become a problem.

Brian Roadnight's comments came after the government revealed an increase in the number of teachers leaving the profession before retirement.

Mr Roadnight said: "High quality teaching has the biggest impact on pupil achievement.

"Consequently, the recruitment and retention of good and outstanding teachers is one of the most important things that we do.

"We have noticed a significant decrease in applications for teaching jobs in recent years, particularly in shortage subjects.

"Adequately covering long term absence, such as maternity cover, for maths, science or languages can be virtually impossible.

"Any pay rise has to be funded from existing school budgets and it is increasingly difficult to afford appropriate training and development.

"This is coupled with the increased workload brought about by the ever-changing curriculum.

"Teaching remains an excellent and rewarding job, but there needs to be a greater focus on the reasons why people are leaving or refusing to join the profession."

The report published by the National Audit Office this week was highlighted by Bury North MP, James Frith.

He said: "This report by the National Audit Office is a damning indictment of the government's failing education policies.

"Tory pressures on our schools are forcing more teachers to leave the profession before retirement than at any time in the last five years and schools are struggling to fill the gap because they are facing significant funding cuts.

"The government need to give our schools the funding they need and ask themselves serious questions about why so many teachers are seeking alternative careers."

The report published on Tuesday, revealed nationwide 34,910 teachers, or eight per cent of the qualified workforce, left for reasons other than retirement.

Amyas Morse, head of the National Audit Office, said: "Schools are facing real challenges in retaining and developing their teachers, with growing pupil numbers and tighter budgets.

"The trends over time and variation between schools are concerning, and there is a risk that the pressure on teachers will grow.

"Since having enough high-quality teachers is essential to the effective operation of the school system, these are issues that the Department for Education needs to address urgently.”