Why Education Is a Growing Industry in Manchester
Manchester has long been hailed as the business capital of the North – a hub of innovation, ambition, and opportunity. But beyond its skyline of offices, another industry is quietly but significantly expanding: education.
In the last two years, Manchester’s education sector has experienced rapid growth. As the city’s population increases and the demand for skilled professionals intensifies, education is becoming a critical pillar in shaping Greater Manchester’s future.
A surge in demand for education roles In the 12 months leading up to May 2024, Greater Manchester saw over 47,000 education-related job adverts, accounting for one in every ten job postings across the region. This striking figure reflects a city-wide need for teachers, teaching assistants, support staff, and leadership professionals across schools, colleges, and training providers.
This demand marks a clear upward trend from previous years, highlighting both the sector’s expansion and a growing recruitment challenge. Many institutions are now operating with under-resourced teams, resulting in lessons being covered by non-specialists and leadership roles becoming increasingly hard to fill.
A national issue with a local impact
Manchester’s education workforce challenges are part of a wider national picture. In the 2023/24 academic year, an estimated 90% of teachers in the UK considered leaving the profession.
The reasons are familiar: high workloads, challenging behaviour, and a lack of long-term support. These factors are contributing to staff attrition at a time when the demand for qualified professionals is at its peak.
For Manchester – a city with two world-class universities and a growing young population – there is an urgent need to bridge the gap between available talent and the needs of the classroom.
Why it’s not all bad news
Despite these challenges, Manchester is uniquely placed to turn this crisis into opportunity. The key lies in attracting individuals who are passionate, adaptable, and well-supported.
With a strong network of local training providers, mentoring schemes, and placement opportunities, Greater Manchester offers multiple entry points into the education sector.
Crucially, education is no longer confined to the traditional classroom route. Opportunities in further education, adult learning, SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), and even prison education are growing – and many of these roles welcome people from diverse career backgrounds.
What’s driving growth in the sector?
Several factors are fuelling the growth of education in Manchester:
· Population growth: Manchester continues to be one of the UK’s fastest-growing cities, with more families and young people putting pressure on local schools and colleges
· University influence: With institutions like the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University, the city is a hotspot for academic research, teacher training, and education innovation
· Government investment: Ongoing funding in skills, apprenticeships, and levelling-up initiatives has increased the visibility and viability of education careers
· Diversity of need: There’s increasing demand for support across a broader range of educational environments – from alternative provision to specialist settings
Forward-thinking institutions in Manchester are already responding to the challenge. They’re investing in professional development and creating clear career pathways.
By harnessing Manchester’s rich pool of talent and offering meaningful support to new entrants, the city has the chance to lead the way in creating a modern, resilient education workforce. For those looking for a purposeful career with impact, the sector offers variety, opportunity, and the chance to shape the next generation. To find your next educational opportunity in Manchester, and beyond, contact the team today.
