ABSTRACT
In Chapter 1 we explored the context of recent concerns about the recruitment and retention of high quality teachers. Once in the profession, people can discover for themselves the pros and cons of teaching as a career. But how do sixth formers and university leavers view the profession in the first place? Do their perceptions in any way match the realities of the job or is there such disparity that they are doomed to disappointment should they embark on a career in teaching? More broadly, what do young people consider when making career choices and what, if any, implications might this have for the teaching profession?
