More managers 'want to be headteachers'

Nearly half of all senior private-sector workers thinking of moving to the public sector would consider a job in education says a new survey.

The National College for School Leadership (NCSL) which carried out the research says that one fifth of those thinking of a career move would like a senior position in a school.

The role of headteacher was particularly attractive to those surveyed with 40 per cent saying it would fulfil their ambition.

Organisational skills, people management and leadership were some of the qualities that the private sector professionals believed they could bring to the position.

NCSL chief executive Steve Munby said: "Being a head isn't a soft option and potential candidates should be prepared to demonstrate they have the right skills, experience and understanding of education to take on this challenging but hugely rewarding role."

Earlier this year the government announced plans for a fast-track training scheme to get unemployed City-workers into teaching.

The new initiative was criticised by the National Union of Teachers who argued that it undermined the profession.

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