Children struggling with their maths at an Oxford school will have to rely on parents' help because they don't have a qualified teacher, writes Mark Templeton.

Doomed Marston Middle School is facing a recruitment crisis just days after the county council voted to close it down.

With the usual maths teacher away on maternity leave, year six pupils - aged 11 - are being taught by a non-specialist. But head Karen Magrath has told parents not to worry because the stand-in is "very numerate'' and "enjoys maths''. In a letter to parents, Ms Magrath blames a national shortage of teachers and says the situation is made worse by the council's moves to change from the present three-tier structure to a system of primary and secondary schools.

Some councillors had warned the move would lead to a recruitment crisis for middle schools - some of which will be closed completely. Marston Middle is to become a primary school.

Another middle school, Temple Cowley, is also starting to feel the effect. Headteacher Martin Thomas said: "I have got three staff leaving at the end of this term. They are all in key subjects like maths and science. There is going to be a lot of poaching going on between schools. "The local education authority has to encourage those who wish to stay. The best way to do this is to make sure they are rewarded financially.

"The worst-case scenario is doubling classes up or sending children home but we are confident it will not come to this."

Robert Capstick, the county's principal education officer, said: "Any school which is facing closure may find it difficult to recruit in the coming year or two. We are in discussion with unions and headteachers on how to tackle it."

Story date: Wednesday 09 February

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