Menu
02/01/2013
Survey Suggest Teacher Morale 'Dangerously Low'
Teacher morale across England and Wales "has declined dramatically in recent months", with a survey suggesting it is now "dangerously low".
55% of teachers polled by YouGov for the National Union of Teachers (NUT) described their morale as low or very low.
Despite the government saying teaching was an "attractive profession" with "vacancy rates at their lowest since 2005".
Some 77% said the government's impact on education in England was "negative".
Researchers questioned a "weighted spread" of 804 teachers across England and Wales.
Some 88% belonged to a trade union or professional body, 11% taught in private schools with the rest in state funded schools including academies and free schools. Some 74% were female.
The results suggested that teacher morale had collapsed by 13 percentage points since a similar survey in April.
Then, 42% described their morale as low or very low.
The figure describing it as high or very high dropped from 27% in April to 15% in December.
Almost three-quarters (71%) said they rarely or never felt trusted by the government.
Some 77% said academy and free school programmes were taking education in England in the wrong direction, while only 5% felt the government was having a "positive" effect on schools.
76% said cuts and austerity measures were having a negative impact on some or most children and their families, with 74% agreeing that children's educational attainment was affected by family income.
"This survey paints a very sorry picture and is a damning indictment of coalition government policies," NUT general secretary Christine Blower said.
She said the education secretary Michael Gove had "been allowed to rush through reforms based on little or no evidence".
"We need to see education policy being implemented that works for all children and young people and provides them with an education that is exciting and fulfilling.
"It is time the prime minister reined in his education secretary, who has lost the respect of the profession."
(H/GK)
55% of teachers polled by YouGov for the National Union of Teachers (NUT) described their morale as low or very low.
Despite the government saying teaching was an "attractive profession" with "vacancy rates at their lowest since 2005".
Some 77% said the government's impact on education in England was "negative".
Researchers questioned a "weighted spread" of 804 teachers across England and Wales.
Some 88% belonged to a trade union or professional body, 11% taught in private schools with the rest in state funded schools including academies and free schools. Some 74% were female.
The results suggested that teacher morale had collapsed by 13 percentage points since a similar survey in April.
Then, 42% described their morale as low or very low.
The figure describing it as high or very high dropped from 27% in April to 15% in December.
Almost three-quarters (71%) said they rarely or never felt trusted by the government.
Some 77% said academy and free school programmes were taking education in England in the wrong direction, while only 5% felt the government was having a "positive" effect on schools.
76% said cuts and austerity measures were having a negative impact on some or most children and their families, with 74% agreeing that children's educational attainment was affected by family income.
"This survey paints a very sorry picture and is a damning indictment of coalition government policies," NUT general secretary Christine Blower said.
She said the education secretary Michael Gove had "been allowed to rush through reforms based on little or no evidence".
"We need to see education policy being implemented that works for all children and young people and provides them with an education that is exciting and fulfilling.
"It is time the prime minister reined in his education secretary, who has lost the respect of the profession."
(H/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 February 2006
Government publishes controversial education bill
The government has published its controversial Education Bill, although it includes several concessions, following a threatened rebellion by many Labour backbenchers. The Education and Inspections Bill includes plans to allow English schools to establish independent trusts, allowing them to have control over their own admissions and budgets.
Government publishes controversial education bill
The government has published its controversial Education Bill, although it includes several concessions, following a threatened rebellion by many Labour backbenchers. The Education and Inspections Bill includes plans to allow English schools to establish independent trusts, allowing them to have control over their own admissions and budgets.
12 April 2013
Labour Claim Major Cash Shortfall For School Maintenance
Labour has claimed that England’s schools are falling into disrepair because the government is not allocating enough money to maintain them. The opposition party sent Freedom of Information requests to all local authorities in England, from which they discovered that 59% (89 of the total) suggest a repair backlog of more than £3.5bn.
Labour Claim Major Cash Shortfall For School Maintenance
Labour has claimed that England’s schools are falling into disrepair because the government is not allocating enough money to maintain them. The opposition party sent Freedom of Information requests to all local authorities in England, from which they discovered that 59% (89 of the total) suggest a repair backlog of more than £3.5bn.
13 May 2003
Tories pledge to scrap university tuition fees
In a gentle change of tack over the past few weeks, the Conservative Party has taken the initiative and published a clutch of policies pledges – the foremost of which is today's plans to scrap university tuition fees and abandon entrance targets.
Tories pledge to scrap university tuition fees
In a gentle change of tack over the past few weeks, the Conservative Party has taken the initiative and published a clutch of policies pledges – the foremost of which is today's plans to scrap university tuition fees and abandon entrance targets.
05 September 2011
Free Schools 'Not For Profit' – Clegg
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has denied claims that those running a new initiative of free schools will be able to do so for profit.
Free Schools 'Not For Profit' – Clegg
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has denied claims that those running a new initiative of free schools will be able to do so for profit.
24 April 2003
LEAs blamed for funding shortfall
The Education Secretary has accused local education authorities swallowing up vital funding earmarked for schools – and instead diverting the money to capital projects elsewhere in council areas.
LEAs blamed for funding shortfall
The Education Secretary has accused local education authorities swallowing up vital funding earmarked for schools – and instead diverting the money to capital projects elsewhere in council areas.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and 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.
