1. Overview of the wider school workforce
I’d like to begin by recapping on some of the salient characteristics of the wider school workforce. Firstly, some facts and figures about the wider school workforce
115 % increase
The number of support staff has more than doubled since 1997 (115% increase).
Headcount
The actual headcount is over 400,000 excluding premises and catering staff. Likely total figure 0.5 million
Diversity
A diverse range of occupational roles (more than 30) and wide range of skills needed (level 1 to 4 and beyond). Level 1 is effectively entry level - to level 4 manager/supervisory level and higher – into senior manager and leadership positions. Level 4 would equate the first year of a degree. Level 6 to third year of a degree.
The workforce is continuing to grow and increase in diversity. New and emerging roles - some created as a result of specific government initiatives, others emerging through wider contextual changes.
This makes our responsibility for development more complex – we have to be anticipating change and developing our services to ensure schools have the resources to develop their staff to meet future challenges.
(FTE) Source: DfES 2006

2. FTE
Change
% increase
Teaching assistants
102,600
+47,800
87%
Special needs support staff
47,500
+9,800
26%
Minority ethnic support staff
2,700
+200 8%
Total
152,800
+57,800
61%
Administrative staff
Secretaries
31,400
+1,000 3%
Bursars
6,800
+1,800
36%
Other admin/clerical staff
24,300
+13,600
127%
62,400
+16,400
135%
Technicians
23,000
+8,000
53%
Other support staff
Matrons/nurses/medical staff
1,700
+700
70%
Child care staff
1,600
+100 7%
Other education support staff
45,600
+18,300
67%
48,900
+19,100
64%
Total support staff
287,100
+101,300
55%
Teachers
435,400
+25,200 6%