Times survey shows many schools are without a head teacher [Times Online]
- Published: 31 August 2009
Schools in half of Britain's education authorities are without a head teacher a week before the new term begins, a survey by The Times suggests.
Experts fear that the approaching retirement of many head teachers, and a growing reluctance among senior staff to become school leaders, could prompt a management crisis.
Heads now have ultimate responsibility for academic achievement, staffing and complying with regulations.
The survey of 36 local authorities found that there were teacher or head teacher vacancies in 20 areas and that more than 100 schools did not have a head teacher. This equates to 527 vacancies across the country, though this may be an underestimate. There were also 526 in January last year, indicating a failure to deal with the issue.
Full Story: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/
