The majority of primary teachers are women

The campaign is also urging men to apply for teacher training courses earlier, as evidence suggests they tend to apply later than women and are in danger of finding course places already filled.

Educationalists and government ministers are concerned boys are being disadvantaged by the lack of male role models in the classroom.

The TTA also wants to set tougher targets for recruiting teachers from ethnic minority backgrounds.

A total of 29,000 people are studying on teacher training courses this year - the highest number for seven years.

But critics say the government is still falling short of its teacher recruitment targets, especially in subjects like maths and science.

According to the latest figures there are 5,000 teaching vacancies in schools.

But last year the Education Secretary, Estelle Morris, admitted the gap between supply and demand was much wider - about 25,000 teachers.

Quality

Ralph Tabberer, chief executive of the TTA, said: "We are competing aggressively to attract quality trainees to teaching."

"We know that we are operating alongside industry in a dynamic and competitive environment, and we need to reach new audiences among returning teachers and career changers.

"Every teacher training place is crucial and we are determined to improve recruitment year on year."

'Too late'

But the Conservatives said that, in a recent written answer, the government admitted the number of male primary school teachers had declined to 14.4%.

The Shadow Education Secretary, Damian Green, said: "I fear that this campaign may already be too late."

"In a recent written answer the government revealed just how urgently this drive is needed," said Mr Green.

"With current figures showing that men make up only 14.4% of primary school teachers, it is desperately important that this campaign is successful."