Responding to a report by the NFER (National Foundation for Educational Research) looking at the issues fuelling recruitment and retention challenges in schools, Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union, the NAHT said:

“School leaders are undoubtedly still facing real challenges in recruiting and keeping hold of teachers and support staff, and the legacy of real-terms pay cuts, as well as the heavy workload cited in this report are both fuelling this situation.

“But these issues are also driving dedicated leaders – who are at the sharp end of high-stakes accountability - from the profession they love, while many senior teachers see leadership as a poisoned chalice for which the rewards are too often overshadowed by relentless pressure.

“While the government’s recently published plan outlining its proposals to increase the workforce by 6,500 included some welcome initiatives around increasing maternity pay and support for flexible working, really fundamental action is needed to restore teaching and leadership as attractive long-term career options.

“That means addressing unsustainable levels of workload, acting upon feedback about the continued harm being caused by Ofsted inspections, and crucially also delivering further pay rises to restore the real-terms value of school leader and teacher pay over this Parliament.”