Workforce & Staffing
Staff composition, teacher turnover, retention, and sickness absence
Key Figures
4.5
Qualified Teachers (FTE)
13.8:1
Pupil:Teacher Ratio
7.4d
Teacher Absence (avg/teacher)
Pupil:Teacher Ratio — History
2024/25
13.8
4.5 FTE
2023/24
12.7
4.58 FTE
2022/23
13.0
5.38 FTE
2021/22
15.2
6 FTE
2020/21
15.3
6.27 FTE
2019/20
17.5
5.59 FTE
2018/19
16.3
5.6 FTE
National primary average: ~20.9. A higher ratio indicates fewer teachers per pupil.
Staff Retention — Historical View
| Year | Total FTE | Retained | Left Sector | Moved School | Turnover Rate | Stability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 4.6 | 4.1 | 0.5 | 0 | 10.9% | |
| 2022/23 | 5.4 | 4.6 | 0 | 0.8 | 14.8% | |
| 2021/22 | 6 | 3.8 | 1 | 1.2 | 36.7% | |
| 2020/21 | 6.3 | 4.3 | 1 | 1 | 31.7% | |
| 2019/20 | 5.3 | 4.3 | 1 | 0 | 18.9% | |
| 2018/19 | 6.9 | 4 | 0 | 2.9 | 42.0% |
Teacher Sickness Absence
Staff Wellbeing — Sickness Data
Teacher absence due to illness
| Year | % Taking Absence | Avg Days (all teachers) |
|---|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 83.3% | 7.4 |
| 2022/23 | 71.4% | 4.0 |
| 2021/22 | 77.8% | 13.0 |
| 2020/21 | 57.1% | 2.4 |
| 2018/19 | 25.0% | 0.5 |
National avg days lost per teacher: ~4.5. Fordcombe Church of England Primary School's rate of 7.4 days per teacher is above average.