Industry News
Role of head teacher must be made more attractive, says NUT
Posted on 10th April 2008
The National Union of Teachers (NUT) has criticised a recommendation by the School Teachers' Review Body to introduce greater performance-related pay for head teachers.
The recommendation comes just weeks after the National College for School Leadership announced it was making the required headship qualification tougher.
In light of the large potential shortage of head teachers, the NUT says the recommendation is the worst way of attracting new people to the role.
Acting general secretary of the NUT Christine Blower said: "Head teachers, along with all teachers, need guaranteed high levels of pay and reduced workload in order to make the role of head teacher attractive to classroom teachers who may be future leaders."
Ms Blower urged the government to "redouble its efforts" to introduce fair pay and make the position of head teacher more attractive.
Half of the schools in England and Wales are expected to close on April 24th as teachers walk out in a row over pay. It will be the first NUT-organised strike in 21 years.