Written question asked by Lord Gove (Conservative) on Monday, 13 July 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 15 July 2009. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Tuesday, 21 July 2009 on behalf of the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

Specialist Teachers

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families (1) how many specialist history teachers there were in mainstream maintained secondary schools in each of the last 10 years;

Answer: Information on the number of specialist subject teachers is only available for maintained secondary schools. It is derived from the Secondary School Curriculum and Staffing Survey, (SSCSS), a sample survey last completed in 2007. The survey revealed that of the estimated 15,700 full-time equivalent (FTE) history and 21,700 physical education teachers, who taught at least one period per week in these subjects, some 76 and 83 per cent. respectively held a relevant post A level qualification.Further information regarding the SSCSS is available from the survey report which is available at the following URL:"http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/research/data/uploadfiles/DCSF-RR026.pdf"

Secondary information