Tristram Hunt MP, Labour’s Shadow Education Secretary,

responding to the news that David Cameron will fight the election with a policy of allowing unqualified teachers into our schools, said:

“David Cameron has confirmed that he will fight the election on a pledge to allow the number of unqualified teachers in our schools to expand. 

“On his watch, 400,000 pupils are being taught by unqualified teachers. This is damaging the education system in this country and harming the life chances of young people.

“Labour will end David Cameron’s unqualified teachers policy. We will ensure that all teachers become qualified, as a starting point, and require all teachers train to continue to improve as a condition to being in the classroom. Only then can we improve the quality of education for all children, in all schools.”