88% of London Teachers would leave the profession because of student misbehaviour

An astounding 88% of teachers in the capital have admitted they would leave the profession because o

88% of London Teachers would leave the profession because of student misbehaviour

New research shows better discipline measures needed to prevent a mass exodus of teachers from schools.

London, UK 22 May 2006 An astounding 88% of teachers in the capital have admitted they would leave the profession because of student misbehaviour, according to a new poll carried out by education recruitment specialists, Select Education.

Download the poll results (pdf document)

The research, which questioned 122 London teachers, shows that as well as misbehaviour issues, 86% cited stress and 84% difficulties in disciplining children as reasons why they would quit the education sector.

Interestingly, at the other end of the spectrum, only 41% of teachers gave poor school facilities an area that has received a large amount of investment from government - as a reason for stopping teaching.

John Dunn, Director at Select Education comments: 'It is interesting to see that school facilities came bottom of the list of teachers' concerns, perhaps this is an indication that public sector funding in this area has been mistargetted. Judging by the huge percentage of teachers who cited behavioural and discipline problems as well as stress as major factors, clearly more needs to be done to support teachers and not just in terms of pay. Radical changes to the way students are disciplined need to be brought in and fully backed by government, teachers and parents alike.

'Traditionally, the focus for improving school performance has been on the pupils, which is of course only natural. However, the quality, quantity and consistency of teaching staff has an enormous impact on students and if they are not properly supported then the education sector is heading for trouble.'

Worryingly, the poll also shows that on average, teachers claim they will stay in the profession a mere 16 years, meaning many could leave as young as 40, which could spell disaster for future generations facing a lack of experienced educators.

Continues Dunn: 'There is already a skills gap forming in terms of headteachers, with a lack of candidates available or wanting to fill the shoes of those retiring. According to this research, the problem is only going to get worse unless more is done to keep teachers in the profession. We are working hard to support the capital's teachers and have recently expanded our presence in London by opening two larger, relocated new offices. However, this is only one side of the coin and the onus still falls on schools and the government to redress how they manage teachers.'

Responding to the results, Mark Malley, a headteacher in London comments: 'This research highlights that schools need to be given more control over how they discipline students and fully supported in their actions by LEAs and the government. I think the top four reasons cited by teachers for leaving the profession could be alleviated somewhat by headteachers having more autonomy.'

These results are despite the incentives already employed to attract and retain teachers in London. Although 68% see it as a great place to work due to working with a broad range of cultures and backgrounds, the capital is still seen as too expensive, with 59% citing this as a problem. This, coupled with the behavioural challenges in the capital's schools, shows that changes to how teachers are assisted and encouraged are desperately needed.