Menu
04/05/2004
Head Teachers warn exodus reaching 'critical proportions'
The National Association of Head Teachers have announced that the number of head teachers leaving the profession is reaching “critical proportions”.
A study by the union revealed that 1,500 vacancies had already been advertised this year, an increase of 25% on the same period last year.
The union blamed school budget problems, high workload and the pressures of government inspections on the figures.
The NAHT report claimed that one in ten schools received less money than last year, even though costs exceeded the budgets in many cases. The report contained the results of a survey, which found that a third of schools had not received the full 4% extra in pupil funding, promised by the Education Secretary, Charles Clarke, last year.
The NAHT report also found that, of the 358 primary school headships advertised in January this year, 110 (equivalent to 31%) had been re-advertised. In London, the proportion was higher, at 42%.
The NAHT also said that Ofsted’s school inspections were also adding to the pressure on head teachers, as well as the expectations of local authorities, which had been raised by the increase in league tables and other measurements of success.
The NAHT report also stated that the job of head teacher was “increasingly high risk”. The number of cases handled by the union from January to March this year was 850, an increase of 50% on the same period in 2003.
Mr Hart warned that unless heads received more support from governors and local authorities, as well as a real prospect of workload reduction, a decent long-term funding settlement and rewards that reflected their responsibilities, the head teacher exodus would continue.
However, the Department for Education and Skills said that the NAHT’s survey was “deeply flawed and very misleading”. It claimed that their analysis of budget statements received from 85% of LEAs so far showed no evidence that schools were not receiving the minimum guarantee.
The department also claimed that the annual census had shown that both head teacher and deputy head vacancy rates in maintained schools were the lowest they had been since 1997.
(KmcA)
A study by the union revealed that 1,500 vacancies had already been advertised this year, an increase of 25% on the same period last year.
The union blamed school budget problems, high workload and the pressures of government inspections on the figures.
The NAHT report claimed that one in ten schools received less money than last year, even though costs exceeded the budgets in many cases. The report contained the results of a survey, which found that a third of schools had not received the full 4% extra in pupil funding, promised by the Education Secretary, Charles Clarke, last year.
The NAHT report also found that, of the 358 primary school headships advertised in January this year, 110 (equivalent to 31%) had been re-advertised. In London, the proportion was higher, at 42%.
The NAHT also said that Ofsted’s school inspections were also adding to the pressure on head teachers, as well as the expectations of local authorities, which had been raised by the increase in league tables and other measurements of success.
The NAHT report also stated that the job of head teacher was “increasingly high risk”. The number of cases handled by the union from January to March this year was 850, an increase of 50% on the same period in 2003.
Mr Hart warned that unless heads received more support from governors and local authorities, as well as a real prospect of workload reduction, a decent long-term funding settlement and rewards that reflected their responsibilities, the head teacher exodus would continue.
However, the Department for Education and Skills said that the NAHT’s survey was “deeply flawed and very misleading”. It claimed that their analysis of budget statements received from 85% of LEAs so far showed no evidence that schools were not receiving the minimum guarantee.
The department also claimed that the annual census had shown that both head teacher and deputy head vacancy rates in maintained schools were the lowest they had been since 1997.
(KmcA)
Related Northern Ireland Recruitment News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 March 2012
Details Of Major School Building Projects Announced
The Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn T.D., today announced details of 219 new major school building projects which will begin over the next five years as part of a €2 billion capital investment programme. These new projects are in addition to 56 major school building projects that he already announced for 2012.
Details Of Major School Building Projects Announced
The Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn T.D., today announced details of 219 new major school building projects which will begin over the next five years as part of a €2 billion capital investment programme. These new projects are in addition to 56 major school building projects that he already announced for 2012.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
