JCL Skills Solutions
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September 1, 2025
Staff retention has become one of the most pressing challenges in education today. Recruitment often makes the headlines, but the real challenge is keeping skilled and motivated people in schools for the long term. When staff leave, schools face not only the financial burden of recruitment but also the disruption this causes to pupils and the additional strain on those left behind. Stability matters for learners, for teachers, and for the culture of the school as a whole.
The Teacher Tapp & SchoolDash 2025 report, funded by the Gatsby Foundation, revealed that only 60% of teachers expect to still be in the profession in three years. Before the pandemic, that figure stood at 75%. This stark drop highlights the urgent need for schools to prioritise retention alongside recruitment. In many cases, the answer lies in investing in professional development and training.
Training provides a powerful way to encourage staff to stay. When people feel valued and see opportunities to grow in their role, their sense of loyalty increases.
This is especially true for Teaching Assistants, who are often relied upon heavily but may lack formal pathways for development. Providing structured training not only raises their confidence but also empowers them to take on more responsibility. A Teaching Assistant trained through the Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship, for example, gains expertise in areas such as SEND practice, behaviour support, and small group curriculum delivery. With this recognition, they are no longer just “support staff” but valued specialists who make a measurable impact.
For schools, the benefits of this approach are significant. SEND needs continue to rise, with more than 1.5 million pupils in England now identified as having special educational needs or disabilities. A Teaching Assistant trained to Level 5 is better equipped to provide targeted support, helping schools meet this growing demand without always needing external intervention. The financial savings are equally compelling. Many schools spend thousands each year on agency cover or recruitment, yet the cost of training through an apprenticeship is remarkably low. Levy-paying schools can access funding directly, while non-levy schools contribute as little as £300 towards a £6,000 programme thanks to government co-investment. That investment pays back quickly in reduced churn, less reliance on agencies, and greater consistency across classrooms.
Retention is also about morale. Staff who see no clear career pathway often feel stuck, and this contributes to attrition. Conversely, when schools provide access to apprenticeships and other structured training, staff feel recognised and motivated. This has a ripple effect, not only on the individuals completing the training but also on the teachers they support and the pupils they work with. A confident, well-trained Teaching Assistant can reduce teacher workload, build calmer learning environments, and directly improve pupil outcomes. In turn, teachers feel better supported, morale improves, and the school becomes a stronger, more resilient place to work.
Ultimately, adopting training as a retention strategy is about future-proofing. Every Teaching Assistant who progresses and grows within your school is an asset you keep, rather than one you lose to another employer or sector. By investing in staff, schools build capacity, strengthen SEND provision, and save money in the long run. Most importantly, pupils benefit from stable, skilled adults who are committed to their learning journey.
At JCL Skills Solutions, we specialise in making training simple, affordable, and impactful. This September we are running two free webinars to help you explore how apprenticeships can boost retention in your setting.
On Monday 8th September at 6pm, we’re inviting Teaching Assistants and school staff to join us for a session on how the Level 5 Specialist TA Apprenticeship can enhance their careers. Secure your place here.
On Wednesday 10th September at 6pm, we’re hosting a webinar specifically for Headteachers, SENCOs, and Business Managers. This session will focus on the practicalities of funding, myth-busting the costs, and showing how apprenticeships can strengthen your workforce and reduce turnover. Secure your place here.
If you want to retain your best people and build a stronger, more stable team, now is the time to act. Book your place on one of our webinars today and take the first step towards creating a workforce that not only stays, but thrives.
Contact : www.jclskillssolutions.co.uk, getintouch@jclss.co.uk or call 0330 0245 809
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