To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the timetable for implementing the requirement for teachers to hold a master's degree. [HL4588]

The Children's Plan sets out our ambition to make teaching a masters-level profession by introducing a new qualification—the Masters in Teaching and Learning (MTL). The MTL will be rolled out during the 2009-10 academic year to newly qualified teachers (NQTs) in the north-west region and NQTs in National Challenge schools and schools in challenging circumstances taking up post from September 2009. It is intended that all teachers should have an opportunity to achieve the MTL and we are currently working with the Training Development Agency on future rollout plans. Participation in the MTL qualification is voluntary.