The number of men applying for teaching positions has risen considerably in 2009/10.

There has been a 50% increase in the number of men applying for a school teaching position, according to the national body responsible for the training and development of the school workforce, the Training and Development Agency (TDA).

The rise in applications has been most significant for primary school teachers – traditionally a school level difficult to fill with male teachers – with a 52% increase in men applying during 2009/10.

There has also been a marked increase in the number of people, male and female, applying to be maths teachers, a subject that has seen the most vacancies in recent years, along with modern languages.

The high number of recent redundancies has been cited as one reason for the rise.

Graham Holley, TDA’s Chief Executive, said: “Teaching is a profession with increasing status that is becoming more and more competitive. There has been a sharp rise in applications to teacher training from people working in other professions.

“They recognise that teaching can fulfil their ambitions, provide challenges, and offer rewards such as a competitive salary and great opportunities for career progression.”

The news comes as earlier research from the organisation found that the general public rates teaching as one of the worst professions for career progression, only above journalism and human resources.

Around 66% of those surveyed thought the career lacked progression opportunities, although a survey by the TDA discovered that contrary to this opinion, 8 out of 10 people in the teaching profession disagreed with this research.

Newly-qualified teachers can expect to earn from £21,000 (£26,000 in inner London), while experienced teachers earn between £33,000 and £43,000.