British Teacher Shortage Predicted

According to Jonathan Price, Managing Director for Eteach International, unless immediate action is taken, the future for many British curriculum schools in the UAE is not looking bright.

Price predicts a British teacher shortage over the next two decades, thanks to an increased demand of around 400,000 new student places in London alone, creating a knock-on effect for British schools abroad.

Speaking to Emirates 24/7, Price said, “Education is a rapidly growing sector in this market (UAE), and we need to keep up with demand, and keep a steady flow of quality teachers. Schools will also need to look at the way they package their teaching jobs, to ensure they get the best possible quality, and keep in line with the UAE’s aims to be an education centre of excellence.”

Price calls for "acute and urgent action" to be taken to counteract the impending crisis.

Eteach International works with over 6,000 schools and colleges, both in the UK and abroad. The company notes with 10 more British schools set to open in the next few years, the UAE could be one of the hardest countries hit by the predicted teacher shortages.

Previously a report by Colliers International noted, “With the rapid growth operators desperate to recruit appropriate specialised staff have engaged in a cycle of recruiting from local competitors, this has been driving up salaries often beyond the concurrent increases the schools can charge in fees as the fee increases are capped by KHDA."

Eteach suggests schools look to other countries such as Canada, New Zealand and Australia for new talent.