There are yet more signs that the State administered educational system in
the UK is breaking down. The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT)
say that the increased red tape from the government and the recent
introduction of performance related pay for teachers (the invidious task of
choosing the winners being left to head teaches) is causing increasing
numbers of head teachers leaving the profession.
In the first six months of 1998 there were 1,199 advertisements in the
Times Educational supplement for head teachers. In 1999 there were 1,288
adverts in the same period. This year there were 1,799 adverts.
The NAHT is using the figures to justify higher salaries for head teachers
-- at least 3,000 pounds (US$4,500) more. But although this may well
attract sufficient numbers of applicants to fill the jobs, higher salaries
won't compensate for the increasing stress. Maybe resignations will flatten
out somewhat for a period while the new head teachers settle in -- but then
stress levels will rise again, morale in many schools will decline further,
and the country is that little bit closer to inevitable large scale breakdown.
Keith Hudson
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Keith Hudson,6 Upper Camden Place, Bath BA1 5HX, England
Tel:01225 312622/444881; Fax:01225 447727; E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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