The number of teachers applying for posts has significantly reduced - there's a change in climate now

Jane Carroll, GSA

Schools are said to be concerned that a narrowing field of candidates will lead to a situation where they have to take on teachers who would previously have been dismissed as "not up to scratch".

The review - by the Girls Schools' Association (GSA) and the Headmasters and Headmistresses Conference (HMC) - will try to assess whether the shortages are particular to specific regions or a countrywide issue.

Maths and science are areas of particular concern, although it is expected the review will reveal shortages in other subjects, such as languages and information and communication technology.

The findings will be known later this year.

'Difficulties recruiting'

Deputy general secretary of the GSA, Jane Carroll, said the review follows concerns voiced by members.

"The comments that are coming through are that members are experiencing difficulties in recruiting staff - sometimes having to re-advertise.

I don't know of schools which are failing to recruit, but I do know of heads who're complaining of having to recruit from a very small field

Isis spokesman

"The number of teachers applying for posts has significantly reduced - there's a change in climate now," Mrs Carroll said.

A spokesman for the Independent Schools Information Service (Isis) said there were concerns over the calibre of applicants.

"I don't know of schools which are failing to recruit, but I do know of heads who're complaining of having to recruit from a very small field," the spokesman said.

"If you're only getting two or three applicants, there may soon come a point at which there aren't any of the necessary calibre.

"But when the pools are drying up, it's time to assess what the situation really is - hence this review," he said.

Improvements in pay for teachers in the state sector meant there were not "enormous financial advantages" to working in the private sector, he added.