MORE than 100 extra primary school teacher training places have been created in York as part of a boost announced today.

The Teacher Training Agency (TTA) announced details of an increase in the number of teacher-training places nationally for next year, for both secondary and primary teaching.

York St John College has been allocated an extra 114 primary places.

Ralph Tabberer, TTA chief executive, said: "Competition in the recruitment market is stronger than ever, and the higher goals we have been set are very challenging. However, this year there were more offers to potential primary school teachers than there were places available and the additional secondary places are in subjects which are attracting greater interest.

"The expectations are rising now that there has been a turn around on recruitment and we will work closely with our training providers to make an even greater contribution.

"In the current academic year, almost 29,000 people are expected to start initial teacher training courses in England - the highest number for seven years."

Meanwhile, the Department for Education and Skills announced today that every secondary school in the country is to receive £4,500 to fund booster classes in English, mathematics and science for 14-year-olds.

Schools can apply for the money to support pupils in Year 9 with extra help, either through short tutoring sessions in small groups during the school day, morning or evening classes, or one-to-one tutorials.

Updated: 10:42 Wednesday, December 12, 2001