WORKERS looking for a fresh challenge have been urged to consider a career change to teaching.

The government’s Get Into Teaching campaign has published results of a national survey, in which 56 per cent of respondents from Oxford said they were questioning the suitability of their current job.

Thousands of professionals across the country, including 101 from Oxford, took part.

Results were released today as part of a national push to get more staff into classrooms.

Roger Pope, a spokesperson for the Get Into Teaching campaign, said: “This research highlights just how many people are experiencing a conundrum in their current job or career.

“It also suggests that people who are doubting the suitability of their existing position are looking for the very things that teaching as a career could offer them – from fulfilment and long-term prospects, to making a real difference in society.”

ALSO READ: Why it's never too late to take up a career in teaching

The campaign has previously honed in on Oxford as one of the areas in need of a recruitment drive, having previously held information evenings at the Randolph Hotel to drum up interest.

A shortage in teachers and other key workers such as NHS staff is made worse in the city by high living costs.

According to the latest Department for Education statistics, the total school workforce in Oxfordshire as of November 2018 was 15,451 people.

This was up slightly on the previous year, at 15,291.

However, crucially, there was a small decline in the number of classroom teachers, despite rising numbers of pupils and more school expansions.

In November 2017 there were 5,222 classroom teachers in the county, which dipped to 5,219.

The total number of teachers, classroom or otherwise, was recorded as 6,049, also down from 6,076 the previous year.

The number of teaching assistants rose from 4,874 to 5,054.

ALSO READ: Ofsted's stream of praise for Oxfordshire Teacher Training

One quarter of Oxford respondents said they thought teaching would offer a stable and long-term career.

Almost a third also said holidays that fit around family life were also an attraction.

As pupils return to schools across the county this week, Mr Pope asked people to consider a career teaching children.

He said: “For many people September will represent getting back into a routine, but if you are at a crossroads then it could equally be an opportunity to make a decisive career shift.

“I encourage anyone looking for a more rewarding and purpose-led career to explore teaching as an option."

The research was conducted on behalf of the campaign by Censuswide, gathering 2,092 responses aged 16 and older.

Results excluded teachers, retirees and unemployed people not seeking work.

For more details visit getintoteaching.education.gov.uk.