Current educational issues

It's not possible to predict all future educational issues, or know every detail of the sector's current situation, but in the process of applying for teacher training some research will go a long way in demonstrating your enthusiasm and impressing potential employers.

Why do I need to be aware of educational issues?

Recruiters are looking to see how much you're engaging with current issues and how aware you are of the challenges that these place on a school. Your answers to interview questions can reveal if you are genuinely interested in education, schools and the world of teaching.

Do some research to find studies or statistics to back up any ideas you have. Download a news app and get into the habit of checking the education section regularly. Having some recent evidence you can refer to in your interview will impress your interviewer.

Aim to be knowledgeable in three areas, particularly those that relate to your curriculum area or age range.

What are some examples of educational issues?

Teacher shortages

Schools are struggling to attract and retain teachers due to:

• administrative burdens
• heavy workloads
• inadequate pay.

It is particularly difficult to recruit in subjects like science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and modern languages. This shortage affects classroom sizes and individual attention for students, worsening inequalities in achievement. New government funding strategies, including incentives and training programmes, are underway, but these efforts face criticism for being insufficient in addressing the root causes of teacher turnover.

Use of artificial intelligence (AI)

AI tools are becoming more common in UK schools, supporting tasks such as:

• assessment
• feedback
• lesson planning.

While AI offers opportunities to enhance teaching and reduce workload, it also raises ethical concerns, including academic integrity, over-reliance on technology, and data privacy. Prospective trainee teachers need to critically evaluate when and how to use AI tools responsibly, ensuring they complement rather than replace human interaction. Familiarity with school policies regarding AI and understanding its potential impact on student learning are key competencies for new teachers.

Behaviour, welfare and increasing student needs

UK classrooms are experiencing increasingly complex student needs, including mental health concerns, social-emotional challenges, and behavioural difficulties. Prospective trainee teachers must be equipped with strategies for effective behaviour management, supporting student wellbeing, and creating inclusive environments. Understanding the links between wellbeing and learning outcomes is essential, as is developing skills in:

• classroom routines
• collaboration with colleagues, parents, and external agencies
• pastoral care. , and

EdTech and online/hybrid learning

The increasing integration of technology into UK classrooms presents both opportunities and challenges. Schools are adopting blended and online learning models, requiring teachers to be adept at delivering lessons through digital platforms while ensuring equitable access for all students. Trainee teachers must learn to plan lessons that effectively incorporate technology, adapt content for remote or hybrid learning, and manage engagement and participation across different learning environments. Additionally, understanding the digital divide - where some students lack access to devices or reliable internet - is crucial to ensuring no student is disadvantaged.

Curriculum relevance

There has long been a debate around the relevance of the curriculum, with calls for it to better prepare students for modern life, including a greater emphasis on digital and financial literacy, and vocational skills. Additionally, the lack of flexibility in the curriculum can make it challenging to adapt to diverse learning needs.

The British government has listened and announced plans for a new national curriculum. Starting in 2028, schools will teach practical life skills - such as budgeting, understanding mortgages, and spotting fake news - alongside core subjects like maths, science, and English.

The review driving these changes calls for less emphasis on exams and the introduction of new subjects such as artificial intelligence (AI) and data science, strengthening pathways into science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) careers.

How do I find out about the latest issues in education?

When you're researching facts to back up your answers, make sure you go to reliable sources. Not everything online is true, so good evidence - such as government statistics - is vital. Take a look at:

• BBC - Education
• The Guardian - Education
• GOV.UK - Education, training and skills
• TES
• The Independent
• The Glossary of Education Reform
• UK Parliament

How should I discuss educational issues in my teaching interview?

You may be asked a general question such as 'tell us about issues that you think are affecting education at the moment' or something more specific to your role such as 'what are the important developments in science education?' This may be a question you're asked on the day or you could be asked to prepare a presentation in advance.

If you aren't asked a direct question about issues in education, it's still a good idea to refer to relevant topics in your group interview or at some time in the recruitment process.

Make sure that your answers are natural, not contrived and relate to the school or organisation that is interviewing you.

It's worth finding out as much about the school as possible through:

• its website or prospectus
• Ofsted reports
• school development plan
• your pre-visit.

Talk about solutions to some of the current challenges the school is facing, from your own knowledge and with examples of other practice you have seen.

It helps to get used to talking about issues in education with:

• governors
• parents
• pupils
• stakeholders
• teachers.

If you do this, you'll have more informed thoughts and opinions and a broader knowledge of the topics.

Relate your answers back to the classroom - start with, 'when I was in the classroom, I noticed…' or 'in the staffroom, I heard teachers talk about...'. Take a look at what other teaching interview questions you may be asked.

Find out more

• Take a look at life as a primary school teacher.
• Discover what it's like to be a secondary school teacher.