The number of teachers with no relevant post A-level on specialist subjects like maths, physics and chemistry, is on the rise, new figures showed. Figures published by the Department for Education (DfE) showed almost one in four physics teachers had no relevant post A-level qualification in the subject they teach. Nearly three in ten maths teachers lack a relevant similar qualification, and roughly the same figure applied to chemistry teachers, the data revealed.

The figures were published as head teachers said the numbers showed an ongoing ‘recruitment crisis’ and educational experts said specialist subject teachers are the ‘bedrock’ of pupils’ progress.

Across all subjects, there has been a 10% increase in the number of teachers without qualified teacher status (QTS). Where those unqualified teachers are working varies – 3.1% of teachers in all primary/nursery schools do not have QTS, and at secondary it is 5.9%.

The DfE figures also showed a record number of teachers leaving the profession, with a recorded loss of 9.5% of staff either leaving, retiring or going on maternity leave - the highest level in more than a decade. This data further demonstrates the prevalence of staff defection in the sector, with teachers leaving the profession at a faster rate than ever before. Only 75% of teachers who started in 2012 are still in post after three years of starting – the lowest since records began.

Staffing in schools remains one of the main concerns surrounding education in the UK at present. The DfE has been criticised by numerous groups, unions and other government agencies about its unwillingness to acknowledge a problem.