Hays Education warns that removing the requirement for teachers to do a university-based course completely could be counter-productive and undervalue the teaching profession.

Education secretary Michael Gove said yesterday that new teaching schools, based on the model of teaching hospitals, would be set up as “showcases” for good teaching. This would allow for more on the job training.

Although Hays Education supports plans to make sure trainee teachers are exposed to more classroom-based training, according to the government’s White Paper, Roop Bhumbra, director, says: “University-based qualifications give schools the means to assess the quality of candidates applying for teaching positions, providing a baseline for individuals entering the profession and ensuring essential content is covered.”

However, Bhumbra agrees that other skills such as classroom management, planning and assessment and the ability to engage and inspire young people are all best developed in the classroom.

As more responsibility now rests with individual schools, colleges and academies, Hays encourages the government to make sure everyone, from head teachers to support staff, is given the right support and training to make the right decisions.