Many more students are applying for teacher training places, with subjects such as history, geography and economics proving particularly popular, according to research by college education guide Keuzegids.

While the number of students applying to be history and geography teachers fell by 33% in 2020, this year applications have almost doubled, Keuzegids said.

Demand for places to become a language teacher is up 50% while 78% more students have applied to become science teachers.

Keuzegids says the increase in popularity of a teaching degree is probably down to government measures – in particular help with tuition fees – and the hefty increase in teachers’ pay agreed this summer.

The Netherlands has an acute shortage of teachers, particularly in the bigger cities and the cabinet is currently drawing up plans to boost numbers further.

The education ministry said in July the Netherlands has a shortage of 9,100 full time primary school and 1,700 full time secondary school teachers. Since the average teacher works part time, there has also been debate about measures to incentivise more professionals to work more hours.