Almost one in six headteachers quit their jobs and leave the state schools system after just five years, shocking figures show.
Teaching unions last night warned the government’s failure to pay staff properly was fuelling an exodus from the classrooms.
Teachers who are members of the NEU will walk out on Wednesday on what is set to be the biggest day of strikes in a decade.
Up to half-a-million public sectors are expected to take part in industrial action that will also involve train drivers, civil servants, university lecturers, bus drivers and security guards.
The NAHT, which represents school leaders, today warns that many headteachers are leaving their jobs after a few years instead of remaining in post for decades as previously.
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NAHT)An analysis of Department for Education data found a quarter (25%) of heads resigned from their post within five years of being appointed.
Almost two-thirds (64%) of those decided to leave the state schools system altogether.
Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the NAHT, said the figures showed “the very real consequences of the government’s driving down” of school pay over the last 10 years.
”The profession is haemorrhaging experienced and talented teachers and leaders who we desperately need, and we are losing them for good,” he warned.
“These are leaders who are not at the end of their careers, who previously would have expected to continue leading their schools for decades more.
“Instead, they are being forced out, and are finding jobs that pay and treat them better.”
The NAHT, which is not currently part of the strike action, is set to reballot its members on taking industrial action.
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Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)Its members overwhelmingly backed walkouts in a previous vote, but they failed to reach the turnout threshold required.
Last-ditch talks will be held today in a bid to resolve the teachers' pay dispute ahead of several weeks of walkouts by the NEU.
Union leaders will meet Education Secretary Gillian Keegan after previous talks failed to break the deadlock.
Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary of the NEU, said: "This is the last chance to avoid the strike on Wednesday… We hope the Secretary of State will bring forward concrete proposals to end this dispute and avert the strike action."
A source close to the Education Secretary said she will use the meeting to reiterate her call from the weekend for teachers to inform schools if they plan to strike.
The source also said the Government will "continue to be open and collaborative in meetings with the unions".
