TEACHING unions have called for clarity on the status of teachers from across the European Union.

Teachers from the EU make up to 20 per cent of new teachers registered every year.

Russell Hobby, general secretary of school leader's union NAHT, said: "It is clear that Brexit will dominate politics over the next few years, and as the government negotiates the UK’s exit from the EU, it must fully consider the impact this will have on schools, colleges and pupils.

"For schools, we need clarity on the status of teachers from the European Union.

"These make up 20 per cent of new teachers registered every year so it is crucial that any changes assess the likely impact on the already serious teacher recruitment crisis.

"The government must make clear what the impact on education will be, and our call for a national strategy on recruitment and retention is something the government must consider in order to deliver the strategic planning schools need."