07 September 2007
Primary schools are finding it increasingly difficult to recruit head teachers, according to the latest labour market statistics.
A survey commissioned by head teacher unions showed that, during the past school year, 35% of the primary schools that advertised for a new head failed to make an appointment. This is a significant increase on the 28% in the academic year 2005/06.
Special schools are facing the same problem. In 2006/07, 33% failed to appoint, compared with 30% the previous year.
Mick Brookes, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, said the statistics underlined the need for the government to review the pressure on school leaders.
'Good leadership is the key to continued academic success,' he said. 'If the government is to achieve its aim of raising standards and narrowing the achievement gap, it must throw its weight behind improving the attractiveness of leadership posts to ensure that school staff, children and young people have the strong and positive leadership they deserve.'
The Thirteenth annual survey of the labour market for senior staff in schools across England and Wales, commissioned by the NAHT and the Association of School and College Leaders, was published on August 31.
It showed a slight improvement in head teacher recruitment in the secondary sector. In 2006/07, 19% of secondary schools failed to make an appointment, down from 22% in 2005/06.
John Dunford, general secretary of the ASCL, which represents heads working in secondary schools, said: 'The improvement at secondary level is encouraging, but the increase in the number of retirements from secondary headship between 2008 and 2011 will create a highly competitive situation… for good candidates.'
Schools minister Jim Knight said the head teacher vacancy rate remained low but added that the government was not complacent. 'I remain confident that we can ensure that school leadership is as effective as it can be in raising standards for all, and is an attractive career option,' he said.
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