Teacher training courses to be cut after drop in pupils

THE number of places on teacher training courses for students wanting to work in secondary schools will be cut by more than 2,000, it was announced today.

Grants to tempt people to train in some subjects will also be ended, but the number of places on primary school teaching courses will be increased. It comes after a series of protests over education funding cuts, including the abolition of a school building improvement scheme, and a programme designed to increase participation in sport.

The government said the changes are not an "austerity drive" and are being made because fewer secondary school teachers and subject specialists are needed.

A spokesman for the Department for Education said: "There are fewer children at secondary school so we need fewer teachers."