London: Only 17 school teachers have been sacked for incompetence in Britain over the past 10 years, a minister has said.

Since 2001, the General Teaching Council for England has barred a total of 228 people from working in schools again. Of these, 17 were struck off for "professional incompetence" and 211 for "misconduct".

Schools Minister Nick Gibb revealed this "shockingly low" figure in the Parliament.

The Conservative party said this illustrated the Labour party's failure to focus on high standards in the classroom during its years in power.

"Most parents will be concerned about incompetent teachers. Obviously a small number like this over 10 years is ridiculous. It can't reflect the true position. The system should be tightened up," said Nick Seaton, secretary of the Campaign for Real Education. IANS