Commenting on the Department for Education's latest Working Lives of Teachers and Leaders Survey, which was published this afternoon, Ian Hartwright, head of policy at school leaders' union NAHT, said: 

"This comprehensive data underlines the need for a fundamental change to the Department for Education's approach to retention, with issues including workload and stress continuing to drive dedicated teachers and leaders from the profession. 

"In place of hackneyed and demonstrably failed incentives to enter teaching, what’s needed is new policy design focused on making teaching a sustainable and attractive long tern professional career choice for graduates.

"Tackling the real barriers to teacher retention is critical. Pay restoration through further above-inflation pay increases over this Parliament are essential to compete in the graduate market, alongside meaningful pay progression.  

"Further support for flexible working, action to tackle unsustainable workload, and far-reaching reform of unreliable high-stakes Ofsted inspections which harm teacher and leader wellbeing are also essential components.

“These measures could be complemented by new, innovative and more compelling financial incentives, including fully funded teacher training, student loans waivers, sabbaticals, greater use of phased retirement and rewards for long service."