This paper reports on the impact of the Teacher Induction Scheme in Scotland on the retention of teachers in Scotland through an analysis of annual teacher employment and teacher induction statistics and published empirical research. The national induction scheme, introduced in 2002, aims to provide structured support, continuing professional development and employment for one year (General Teaching Council for Scotland, 2012). This should benefit not only new teachers but also schools and pupils with high quality new teachers and the retention of those teachers in schools. Research findings on Scotland’s induction scheme may have wider relevance, especially in relation to their focus on the more person-centred aspects of induction, and the importance of both relationships and support within the school workplace community. The General Teaching Council for Scotland carries out an annual employment survey to investigate teachers’ employment patterns. The data generally provides a mixed picture on post-induction year employment with a mixture of permanent, temporary and supply contracts after the induction year. The Donaldson report ‘Teaching Scotland’s Future’ (2011) identified several improvements to be made to the Teacher Induction Scheme as did the Teacher Employment Working Group (2008). We will report on the recommendations that have been implemented and whether these have had any perceived impact on teacher retention. We will present findings on the employment, recruitment and retention rates for new teachers in Scotland. Analysis of data collected from official reports by the General Teaching Council for Scotland and other publicly available data will be presented, including whether any particular characteristics impact on new teacher drop-out rates, for example, age, gender, disability or ethnicity. We will also consider whether the Teacher Induction Scheme in Scotland is double-edged as it provides new teachers with a very stable start, but then leaves them ill-equipped for the disruption of supply teaching.

Donaldson, G., (2011). Teaching Scotland's Future. Report of a review into teacher education in Scotland. DPPAS10888 (01/11). Edinburgh: Scottish Government. General Teaching Council for Scotland (2012) Policy and Guidance – Provisional Registration and Probationary Service. General Teaching Council for Scotland: Edinburgh. Teacher Employment Working Group (2008) Report of the Teacher Employment Working Group. http://www.gov.scot/Resource/Doc/242958/0067605.pdf (web only publication).