I don’t see that outside interference is the reason for the huge number of vacancies in our sector.

The overwhelming reason given by colleagues is the constant fear of an adverse Ofsted inspection that invariably leads to the sack. As Ofsted verdicts are usually based on Sats results, which can vary enormously according to socio-economic factors (I’m not blaming deprivation for low results), teachers are far more vulnerable and therefore less willing to take on the wonderful role of headteacher.

Dominic Cragoe, Headteacher, Sheringham Primary School, Norfolk.