Government confirms continuing GTC role until legislative change

last updated:06 Jul 2010

The Department for Education has prepared a letter for local authorities, teacher supply agencies, teacher training institutes and other stakeholder organisations in which it confirms that the GTC will continue to perform its statutory duties until the future of its functions is determined and new primary legislation is enacted by parliament, some time in 2011.


Text of the letter

Dear colleague

You will be aware that the Secretary of State for Education announced on 2 June 2010 his intention to seek Parliament’s approval to abolish the General Teaching Council for England (GTCE). The GTCE was established through primary legislation and in order for the body to be abolished new primary legislation must be enacted by Parliament. Until legislation has been approved and implemented, the GTCE will continue to carry out its statutory functions.   

I can confirm that there remains a full statutory and legal requirement for employers of teachers and initial teacher training providers to ensure that qualified teachers, Overseas Trained Teachers, instructors and trainees are properly registered and for all regulatory matters to be referred to the Council in the normal way.

The accuracy and security of all data held by the GTCE is a priority. It is essential that your organisation continues to safeguard all information received from the GTCE and that exchanges of data continue according to agreed security protocols.

For further information about the GTCE and its statutory functions please go to www.gtce.org.uk.  The GTCE can also be contacted on 0370 001 0308.

Yours sincerely


Marcus Bell
Director, Workforce Group