primary school numbers fall year-on-year
TEACHER numbers have risen nationally despite much publicised funding problems.
The national picture, using figures from the January census, demonstrates that teacher numbers are at their highest level since the early 1980s.
In Warrington, teacher numbers are as close to stable as can be, with an overall increase of 25 teachers on last year. The number of 'full time equivalent' teachers in January 2003 was 1,670.
This year, that figure rose to 1,694.
Unlike other parts of the country, Warrington LEA passed on the Government's increase in education spending in full.
What the figures do not show, however, is that primary school teachers and pupil numbers have fallen in the past year while secondary school teachers and pupil numbers have risen.
Although teacher numbers are up by the 25 overall, there are 35 more secondary school teachers this year and 10 fewer primary teachers.
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