There is a shortage of teachers but the January 2001 schools census showed that teacher numbers were at their highest level than at any time since 1984 - and 11,000 higher than 1997.

In May 2005 Estelle Morris was appointed chair of the Children’s Workforce Development Council. She first attended Rack House primary school on Yarmouth Drive in Wythenshawe (now part of the borough of Manchester). She was the first (former) comprehensive school teacher to have the position.