In order to attract the most talented graduates into the teaching profession, the government must address the issue of pay and pension reforms.

That is according to Christine Blower, of the National Union of Teachers (NUT), who warned that the profession risks losing much of its appeal if the government continues to erode some of the perks of the job.

"Unless the government addresses the issue of pay and pensions as well as a punishingly high workload and accountability system, no amount of 'marketing' will convince graduates that teaching is an attractive career," Ms Blower told BBC News.

These views has been echoed by Brian Lightman, of the Association of School and College Leaders, who argued that recent reforms have made it more difficult for the government to achieve its ambition of creating one of the best education services in the world.

Mr Lightman argued that this can only be realised by the government "raising the status of teachers to a level which attracts the very best people".

Capita Education Services, leaders in teacher recruitment and education jobs.