Graduate teachers face exam changes - graduate jobs

Graduates going into teaching will have just three attempts to pass literacy and numeracy tests needed to start their training course under changes to the system.

Education secretary Michael Gove said the changes were aimed at improving trainee teachers' basic skills.

Currently trainees are allowed an unlimited number of resits of tests in literacy, numeracy and IT while they embark on their teaching training course.

Official figures show that one in five candidates fails either the maths or the literacy test the first time, with one in 10 taking the numeracy paper more than three time, and one in 14 taking the literacy exam over three times.

From September next year, would-be teachers who fail the tests the first time will only be allowed two resits.

The tests will also have to be taken, and passed, before a trainee can begin their course.

In a speech earlier this month, Mr Gove said the Government's teacher training proposals will "emphasise our commitment to boosting the status of the profession by toughening up the recruitment process and ensuring that all new teachers have a real depth of knowledge in their subject".