Workforce & Staffing
Staff composition, teacher turnover, retention, and sickness absence
Key Figures
25.9
Qualified Teachers (FTE)
7.5:1
Pupil:Teacher Ratio
2.3d
Teacher Absence (avg/teacher)
Pupil:Teacher Ratio — History
2024/25
7.5
25.9 FTE
2023/24
7.9
21.9 FTE
2022/23
7.4
23.8 FTE
2021/22
7.0
23.7 FTE
2020/21
7.2
21.9 FTE
2019/20
7.1
21.7 FTE
2018/19
6.6
21.5 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 | 21.9 | 20.1 | 0 | 1.8 | 8.2% | |
| 2022/23 | 23 | 19.1 | 3.9 | 0 | 17.0% | |
| 2021/22 | 23.7 | 21.9 | 1 | 0.8 | 7.6% | |
| 2020/21 | 21.9 | 21.9 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% | |
| 2019/20 | 21.7 | 20.7 | 0 | 1 | 4.6% | |
| 2018/19 | 21.5 | 20.5 | 0 | 1 | 4.7% | |
| 2017/18 | 19.6 | 15.8 | 1.4 | 2.4 | 19.4% |
Teacher Sickness Absence
Staff Wellbeing — Sickness Data
Teacher absence due to illness
| Year | % Taking Absence | Avg Days (all teachers) |
|---|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 42.9% | 2.3 |
| 2022/23 | 46.2% | 2.6 |
| 2021/22 | 65.6% | 13.3 |
| 2020/21 | 37.9% | 5.0 |
| 2018/19 | 53.8% | 5.2 |
| 2017/18 | 44.0% | 7.4 |
| 2016/17 | 44.8% | 7.1 |
National avg days lost per teacher: ~4.5. Shepherds Down Special School's rate of 2.3 days per teacher is below average.