Responding to a new report by the Education Policy Institute which found a gap in the quality of the workforce between schools with the most and least disadvantaged pupils, Ian Hartwright, head of policy at school leaders' union NAHT, said:

"The focus should be on widening the pool of graduate entrants to the profession, boosting the attractiveness of careers in the teaching profession and retaining in-service teachers and leaders for the long-term.

"New thinking is urgently required.  The government must remove the causes of crushing workload.

"That means delivering full system reform of an oppressive and dangerous inspection and accountability system, fully funding competitive salaries through a reformed pay structure that supports decade- long careers, and devising bespoke forms of funded flexible working.

"Ministers must also provide the resources professionals need to meet the needs of all children and young people, and to repair, renew and replace a dilapidated school estate to create a modern, fit for purpose environment where children, young people and professionals can thrive.”