text: Almost half of headteachers have vacancies in English, maths and science departments amid a growing recruitment crisis in secondary schools. They are struggling to fill core teaching positions, with some posts attracting only one or two applicants. School leaders warn the 'bleak' situation is likely to worsen due to the rise in pupil numbers and 'greater competition' for graduates among employers. Almost half of headteachers have vacancies in English, maths and science departments amid a growing recruitment crisis in secondary schools . A survey by the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) found that 44 per cent of respondents had vacancies in English, 52 per cent in maths and 50 per cent in science. Overall, 86 per cent had 'difficulty' recruiting teachers for core subjects. Meanwhile, 62 per cent had similar problems in non-core subjects. And 65 per cent said they believed recruitment was more difficult than in previous years. London schools are experiencing the most problems finding teachers in English, maths and science, followed by the North West and East of England. The non-core subjects facing recruitment difficulties include geography, design and technology, business studies, computer science, religious education and modern foreign languages. The survey received 97 responses from headteachers and groups of headteachers from local networks of schools. One leader of a secondary school in southern England said: 'I have advertised for a head of maths twice and so far only had one applicant. This is a non-selective comprehensive school which has been significantly above average for maths consistently in the last five years. 'Why wouldn't someone want to lead such a great team?' A headteacher in the East of England said: 'A recent advert for a head of English drew two candidates, both with insufficient relevant experience. 'Head of ICT/computing drew a field of two suitable candidates out of four applicants, and teacher of maths drew one suitable applicant from a pool of two. All in all it is very bleak and there is a distinct lack of choice.' A survey by the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) found that 44 per cent of respondents had vacancies in English, 52 per cent in maths and 50 per cent in science . A headteacher in North Yorkshire claimed 'recruitment is becoming a significant factor in preventing school improvement'. He said: 'Maths, physics and now good-quality English candidates are in very short supply and schools in challenging circumstances are facing the future with little hope of recruiting credible candidates.' Meanwhile an assistant headteacher in the Midlands said their school – rated outstanding by Ofsted – only received two applications for a full-time English post. Brian Lightman, ASCL general secretary, said: 'The existing teacher supply model does not work. Schools all over the country are experiencing unprecedented difficulties recruiting trainees, qualified teachers, middle and senior leaders. 'The next government must act urgently to ensure that effective processes are put in place to model numbers of teachers needed in each sector and region, and then promote the status and value of teaching as a profession.' The union is drawing up a ten-point plan to deal with the recruitment crisis, proposing action by both teachers and politicians. It wants an expansion in school-led teacher training, the development of a core curriculum for teaching degrees and the launch of a campaign to attract new recruits.
target: School leaders warn the 'bleak' situation is likely to get even worse .
  Say it is due to rise in pupil numbers and greater competition for graduates .
  London schools have most problems, followed by North West and East .