Headteacher flies to Australia to recruit teachers amid London staff 'crisis'

A headteacher is flying out to ­Australia on a mission to recruit teachers amid a staffing “crisis” in east ­London schools.

Stuart McLaughlin, 58, principal of Bower Park Academy, Romford, will seek to find up to 50 teaching graduates from universities in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.

They will work across Havering’s 94 schools from January on year-long placements. Many are then expected to be offered permanent positions.

Schools are struggling to recruit teachers to cope with the rise in school places as increasing numbers of families priced out of inner London move to the area.

Mr McLaughlin, pictured, said: “Havering is in a difficult position because the number of children coming in is increasing dramatically.

“There is a surplus of new ­teachers in Australia so it’s harder for them to get jobs, so it’s ideal really.”

Mr McLaughlin is going out as part of a partnership between Havering council and recruitment firm Supply Desk.