Teacher attrition – the rate at which teachers leave the profession – is often seen as a key factor behind teacher shortages in Australia. Using linked administrative tax data, this analysis offers a detailed picture of who is leaving the teaching profession, when they leave and what they do next.

Key Findings

• Overall attrition is relatively low and not increasing.
• Attrition is concentrated in specific settings. Teachers in very remove areas, working in special education, and those with very high ATAR scores are more likely to leave the profession.
• Financial factors do not appear to be the main driver.
• Not all attrition is harmful.
• Teacher supply issues lie further up the pipeline.