Workforce & Staffing
Staff composition, teacher turnover, retention, and sickness absence
Key Figures
34.9
Qualified Teachers (FTE)
22.5:1
Pupil:Teacher Ratio
6.7d
Teacher Absence (avg/teacher)
Pupil:Teacher Ratio — History
2024/25
22.5
34.9 FTE
2023/24
21.4
37.2 FTE
2022/23
20.2
41.2 FTE
2021/22
18.8
44 FTE
2020/21
18.4
45.82 FTE
2019/20
19.3
45.8 FTE
2018/19
19.7
43.22 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 | 37.2 | 31.6 | 2 | 3.6 | 15.1% | |
| 2022/23 | 40.2 | 35.2 | 4 | 1 | 12.4% | |
| 2021/22 | 44 | 41 | 1 | 2 | 6.8% | |
| 2020/21 | 45.8 | 44.4 | 1.4 | 0 | 3.1% | |
| 2019/20 | 45.8 | 43.8 | 2 | 0 | 4.4% | |
| 2018/19 | 43.2 | 41.2 | 2 | 0 | 4.6% |
Teacher Sickness Absence
Staff Wellbeing — Sickness Data
Teacher absence due to illness
| Year | % Taking Absence | Avg Days (all teachers) |
|---|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 65.1% | 6.7 |
| 2022/23 | 60.0% | 6.5 |
| 2021/22 | 58.3% | 4.2 |
| 2020/21 | 50.0% | 2.7 |
| 2018/19 | 63.0% | 3.6 |
National avg days lost per teacher: ~4.5. Nelson Primary School's rate of 6.7 days per teacher is above average.