Increase in pupils with English as second language

The number of pupils in UK schools that have a first language other than English has risen to record levels, in news which may interest those looking for teaching jobs.

Over the past 12 months, the number of primary school pupils who speak as a second language has seen a 0.9 per cent increase to 14.4 per cent of the total, or 470,080 school goers.

In 2004, just 10.5 per cent of primary school pupils had another language as their first, reports the BBC.

Pupils attending secondary schools with English as a second language have increased by a smaller amount, from 10.6 per cent of the total to 10.8 per cent, translating to 354,300 pupils.

Schools minister Jim Knight reaffirmed the government's support for schools on the issue.

He told the new provider: "We know this is an issue for some areas and schools - that's why we give those areas ringfenced funding and support to deal with it."

The Department for Children, Schools and Families also said that it is committed to responding to challenges such as demographic and socio-economic change when delivering education to pupils in UK schools.