86% of school leaders think OFSTED pressures deter would-be head teachers

Research published by the NAHT suggests 86% of school leaders think Ofsted pressures deter would-be head teachers. The current OFSTED regime encouraged schools to deny problems for fear of being publicly shamed said Mick Brookes. He said:

"We do need to dare to be creative; we do need to shake off the oppressive burdens of targets, tests and tables. We have to free ourselves from the clutches of curriculum accountants and assessment auditors. And yes… it is high time to trust schools."

The NAHT survey of 500 members, released at the conference, found 86% thought the impact of Ofsted inspections meant potential head teachers were put off applying. More than two-thirds thought the impact on their school was at best neutral, and at worst very unhelpful. The research found 86% of members thought inspections increased vulnerability and insecurity.

The survey of heads, deputies and assistant head teachers also suggested nine out of 10 worked longer than 48 hours per week with a fifth saying they were seriously considering changing jobs in the face of an "uncontrolled and expanding workload".

You can read the full findings of the survey on the NAHT website if you log in.

Link: http://www.naht.org.uk/