Officials say falling rolls at primary schools in some areas mean fewer student teachers are needed.

From September, the number of trainee teachers will fall by 838 to 34,962.

The Teacher Training Agency says it is boosting the number of places for maths and science teachers, who are in short supply in schools.

The number of places for teachers of both subjects rises by about 100 each.

'Use your head'

Newly-qualified teachers in some areas - and especially at primary school level - have been complaining about problems in finding jobs.

A survey of teacher training colleges by BBC News last summer found that new teachers were finding it harder to get jobs.

The situation was most acute in the South West, North and North East of England, which have been hit by falling primary school rolls.

In Wales, ministers have announced a review of teacher training, amid reports that only a third of newly-qualified primary school teachers can find a job.

The total number of trainee places in England this year equals 19,155 at secondary level and 15,807 at primary level.

This includes about 2,200 places on flexible or distance learning courses.

There will also be about 6,900 places through school-based routes.

The chief executive of the TTA Ralph Tabberer said: "The training places for the next academic year seek to meet the continuing demand for more maths and science teachers, while also taking into account the impact of falling school rolls.