MORALE among teachers has hit an all-time low with the Basingstoke area in the grip of the worst secondary school recruitment crisis in Hampshire.

There are currently 30 secondary school vacancies in Basingstoke and the surrounding area, out of 67 in the whole county. North Hampshire primary schools are also 17 teachers short.

Great Binfields Primary School headmaster Simon Cushing has predicted an "explosion of vacancies" in the near future as teachers intending to resign before the next school year are required to hand in their notices by today.

Speaking after Basingstoke primary school heads voiced their concerns about the teacher shortage during a meeting at his school, Mr Cushing told The Gazette many primary and secondary teachers feel disillusioned and undervalued due to low wages and long working hours.

"The lack of teachers causes additional stress for headteachers and staff," he said. "When there are vacancies, we can't get coverage so we might have to double up classes.

"It's not affecting the standard of education but it's certainly affecting the morale of the profession, which is probably at the lowest ebb it's ever been."

Mr Cushing explained the teacher shortage causes increasing problems. He said teachers, demoralised by stress and a £17,595 starting salary, are moving to the north of the country or changing professions.

"The number of applicants for jobs can be as low as one, if not zero. Two headship positions have been advertised in Basingstoke over the last year, and there has only been a single applicant for each one," said Mr Cushing.

Bishop Challoner School headteacher Michael Whitty said the bureaucracy involved in teaching and the perception that working with young people is too challenging can also be a deterrent. But he urged people who are considering teaching not to give up.

"It's a very rewarding job," he said. "The future of the whole nation depends on the quality of education."

Hampshire County Council is holding a teacher recruitment fair at Great Binfields Primary School, Binfields Farm Lane, today from 9am to 5pm in an effort to encourage more people into the profession.

The council also runs special training courses for former teachers looking to return and support with affordable housing issues.

Cllr Don Allen, the county's executive member for education, said: "We are continuing to work very hard to recruit new, high-quality teachers into our classrooms by spreading the word about the wide-ranging support we offer to teachers in Hampshire, the excellent career opportunities and the diverse range of schools we have."

Anyone who wants more information about teaching should look at the county council website www.teach.hampshire.gov.uk