As reported by the BBC, almost half of teachers and school leaders in England are considering leaving the profession within the next five years, according to a new survey highlighting persistent concerns over workload and burnout
The research gathered responses from more than 900 teachers, headteachers and special educational needs coordinators (SENCOs), with almost one in 10 saying they expected to leave within a year.
Burnout was also widespread among respondents. More than three-quarters, including former teachers, said they had experienced feeling “frequently or constantly burnt out” at work.
Heavy workloads were a major concern, with staff pointing to the time required for marking, lesson preparation and administrative tasks. Respondents said these demands reduced the amount of time they could spend teaching.
The survey was conducted with support from the National Education Union (NEU) and Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL).
The findings come despite the Department for Education reporting that teacher departures last year were at their lowest level since 2010. The department has acknowledged that further action is needed to improve retention.
The Liberal Democrats are calling for schools to receive full funding for teacher pay rises, including the 3.5% increase due from September and a further 3% the following year.
The party also wants tighter enforcement of teachers’ contracted hours, limits on overtime and mandatory flexible working policies across schools. It has not set out how the proposed measures would be funded.
