Workforce & Staffing
Staff composition, teacher turnover, retention, and sickness absence
Key Figures
39.41
Qualified Teachers (FTE)
22.6:1
Pupil:Teacher Ratio
7.4d
Teacher Absence (avg/teacher)
Pupil:Teacher Ratio — History
2024/25
22.6
39.41 FTE
2023/24
20.4
44.2 FTE
2022/23
20.4
46.2 FTE
2021/22
17.9
51.72 FTE
2020/21
21.1
44.32 FTE
2019/20
20.7
44.48 FTE
2018/19
20.5
45.16 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 | 44.2 | 37.2 | 4 | 3 | 15.8% | |
| 2022/23 | 46.2 | 36.2 | 8 | 2 | 21.6% | |
| 2021/22 | 51.7 | 40.5 | 9.2 | 2 | 21.7% | |
| 2020/21 | 44.3 | 38.7 | 2.6 | 3 | 12.6% | |
| 2019/20 | 44.5 | 38.3 | 5.2 | 1 | 13.9% | |
| 2018/19 | 45.2 | 36.3 | 5.9 | 3 | 19.7% | |
| 2017/18 | 46.6 | 39.8 | 4.8 | 2 | 14.6% |
Teacher Sickness Absence
Staff Wellbeing — Sickness Data
Teacher absence due to illness
| Year | % Taking Absence | Avg Days (all teachers) |
|---|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 45.8% | 7.4 |
| 2022/23 | 55.8% | 3.1 |
| 2021/22 | 75.9% | 4.6 |
| 2020/21 | 58.3% | 5.0 |
| 2018/19 | 62.7% | 7.1 |
| 2017/18 | 57.7% | 2.5 |
| 2016/17 | 72.2% | 5.9 |
National avg days lost per teacher: ~4.5. Essex Primary School's rate of 7.4 days per teacher is above average.