Bankers and other professionals who have lost their jobs due to the recession will be able to qualify as teachers in just six months under new government plans announced on Tuesday.

The initiative also includes a fast-track program for the most promising candidates to become headteachers within four years.

The proposal, aimed at attracting "outstanding individuals" to the teaching profession, was introduced by Schools Minister Jim Knight. Under the scheme, highly qualified professionals—such as unemployed bankers with strong mathematical skills—can transition into teaching at an accelerated pace, achieving Qualified Teacher Status in half the usual one-year training period.

Additionally, the "Accelerate to Headship" program will identify future school leaders and place them on a streamlined path to becoming headteachers within four years.

"There are thousands of highly talented individuals in the country looking for their next opportunity—people who want a role that is challenging, rewarding, and highly respected," said Knight. "By reducing the initial teacher training course to six months for the most capable candidates, we are making teaching a more attractive career option for experienced professionals eager to enter the classroom quickly."

However, the proposal has faced criticism from teaching unions, who argue that six months is insufficient for proper teacher training.

"In economic downturns, many people turn to teaching, but not all of them stay," said Christine Blower, acting general secretary of the National Union of Teachers (NUT). "Effective teacher preparation requires more time to ensure quality education for students."

Despite opposition, the government remains confident that the initiative will help address teacher shortages and bring skilled professionals into the education sector. Photo by Phil Whitehouse, Wikimedia commons.