Innovative measures are needed to attract high quality teachers to the island.

There are 13 unfilled teaching posts in primary schools and 24 in secondaries, with others being filled by either supply staff or staff who usually teach a different subject.

In the UK a report by MPs last week highlighted issues surrounding the recruitment of teachers.

The Commons Education Committee called for a long-term plan in the UK as schools struggle to recruit teachers.

It warned a lack of teachers is causing problems in ’shortage subjects’ in secondary schools, including physics, maths and computing.

Education and Children Minister Graham Cregeen MHK said: ’The island isn’t immune to the problem of recruiting teachers and faces stiff competition in the form of incentives offered elsewhere. ’

In England, for example, graduates with a first class honours degree in science are offered up to £60,000 to train.

Mr Cregeen said: ’However, the Isle of Man is making strenuous efforts to highlight to potential recruits the many benefits of teaching in the Isle of Man.’

He cited among the benefits the island’s excellent quality of life, successful economy and low personal taxation, good quality schools and freedom from the constraints of education systems elsewhere.

But the cost of living and pensions can be a stumbling block to recruitment, with the UK Teachers’ Pension Scheme treating the Isle of Man as an overseas scheme.

Mr Cregeen accepted the transferability of pensions was an issue. He said officers of the departments are working with the unions and Public Sector Pensions Authority to try to find a way forward.

The DEC has been working with leading UK education recruitment agency Hays to promote teaching in the island.

’Golden hellos’ are available from the DEC - additional payments to new teachers at the start of their second and third years of permanent employment following qualification.

And the department offers rent subsidies for teachers in shortage subjects and also relocation packages - housing subsidies towards mortgage or rent payments for two years, plus relocation costs.

Benefits of teaching on the Isle of Man are about to be advertised through ITV Player.

Waiving of the requirement for a work permit for secondary school teachers is already aiding recruitment.

The DEC is also creating new pathways into teaching for those already working in schools, via qualifications with University College Isle of Man in partnership with UK universities and in-school mentoring.

The five secondaries have 15 staff pursuing these qualifications at present.