TEACHERS are declining the chance to go for the head's job, according to new research.
The annual survey for the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) and the Secondary Heads' Association (SHA) showed that 50 per cent of primary vacancies for head teacher posts attracted five or fewer applications.
Secondary schools saw an average of only 16 people who wanted the post of head teacher.
The report, compiled by Education Data Surveys for the eighth year running, said: "The labour market for senior staff remains in a fragile state, with many schools facing little choice in whom to appoint.
"The report has been submitted to the School Teachers' Review Body as part of the case for a substantial increase in the salaries of heads, deputy heads and assistant heads."
NAHT general secretary David Hart said that it was not just head teacher places that were difficult to fill. "Fewer teachers are also applying to be deputy heads. This will cause even more problems in a few years time when schools are looking to appoint a new head teacher."
Updated: 11:57 Thursday, November 07, 2002
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