THE number of teaching vacancies in schools across Blackburn with Darwen has reduced by 100 per cent, bucking the national trade.

New data puts the borough in the top 20 authorities that have reduced their vacancies by the largest number between 2014 and 2016.

In 2014 there were four full-time vacant posts which dropped to zero in 2016 across primary and secondary schools.

Data analysed by the BBC shows there were seven full time vacant posts, representing 0.2 per cent, in secondary schools across Lancashire last year while 15 posts were being filled by temporary staff, representing 0.4 per cent of posts.

Last year in Blackburn with Darwen there was one secondary school post filled by a temporary staff member, while in primary schools there were six filled by temporary staff.

In primary schools there were six full-time vacant posts across Lancashire while 49 posts were filled by temporary staff representing 1.4 per cent of full time posts.

It comes as another survey, carried out by recruitment service Eteach warns that there are nine per cent more teaching vacancies across the UK this September than there were last year which teaching unions have put down to falling pay levels and heightening workload pressures.

A spokeswoman for Lancashire County Council said: “Despite being one of the largest authorities in the country, Lancashire does not have a particular problem recruiting and retaining sufficient teachers, although there are sometimes some gaps and shortage areas.

“As in the rest of the country, it can be more difficult to make permanent appointments to schools in more deprived areas, and to schools that are in an Ofsted category.

“Traditionally it has always been more difficult to recruit teachers to certain subjects, including maths and science.

“The situation in Lancashire is supported by Ofsted ratings, which rate our schools as being in the top quarter in the country.”

Cllr Dave Harling, executive member for schools and education at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “We have had problems recruiting headteachers for some schools but I am pleased there are no vacancies for teachers.

“The figures will vary over the year as people move jobs but we have some decent schools which will be attractive to teachers.

“A lot have done a teaching qualification with Schools Direct within the borough so they tend to stay within the area.”

A department for education spokesman said there are more teachers in schools than ever before and that they have invested £1.3bn to attract the best graduates into the profession.