One in three teachers do not see themselves working in education in five years

8 April 2021, 06:59 | Updated: 8 April 2021, 18:02

More than a third of teachers do not see themselves working in education in five years' time
More than a third of teachers do not see themselves working in education in five years' time. Picture: PA

By Maddie Goodfellow

More than a third of teachers do not see themselves working in education in five years' time, a survey suggests.

Two in three teachers say the status of the profession has worsened over the past year, according to a poll from the National Education Union.

The leader of the UK's largest teaching union has called it "a scandal" that "so little effort has been made by government to value the profession".

The survey, of mainly teachers, school leaders and some support staff, suggests that more than half (55 per cent) say their work-life balance is now worse than before the first lockdown, while 68 per cent have seen their workload increase.

It found that 35 per cent of respondents were confident they would no longer be working in education in 2026.

The findings were released on the second day of the NEU's annual conference.

READ MORE: Working-class children falling through cracks in school, teacher claims

READ MORE: Education Secretary launches £10m drive against 'out-of-control' pupil behaviour

Furious trainee teacher brands PM's roadmap 'an absolute disgrace'

Members were asked to compare aspects of their job to a year ago to assess what had improved or worsened over the course of the Covid year as part of the survey of nearly 10,700 NEU members.

One in five respondents said their work-life balance is now "much worse" than before the first national lockdown.

One respondent said: "I think that the expectations placed upon full-time teachers during the pandemic are immense."

Another added: "The pandemic has highlighted a high expectation on teachers whilst a total lack of respect from government."

The only significant improvement has been staff relationships with pupils' families, the poll suggests.

The survey found that 30 per cent had seen their relationships with parents improve over the past year, with just 15% seeing a drop.

Top virologist: 'Teachers should be vaccinated as part of roadmap'

Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary of the NEU, said: "It should come as no surprise that so many are thinking of leaving teaching.

"These findings come after a year in which the education profession, as key workers, have been provided few safety protections, had to improvise solutions where government had simply left a void, and were met with a pay freeze for their troubles.

"To create an environment in which so many are overworked and looking for an exit, it is a scandal that so little effort has been made by government to value the profession.

"Instead, they feel insulted, and for many there comes a point where enough is enough."

A Department for Education (DfE) spokesman said: "We are enormously grateful to teachers and other school staff for the resilience and commitment they have shown in supporting children during the pandemic.

"We have taken a wide range of action to address teacher workload and wellbeing, and invested millions in mental health charities to support teachers.

"This includes our £8 million Wellbeing for Education Return programme, which is supporting staff in schools and colleges to respond to any wellbeing issues they or their colleagues may be experiencing.

"We are also improving support and professional development for teachers at all stages of their career. This includes providing additional support for teachers who are at their least experienced and at most risk of leaving the profession, through our Early Career Framework reforms."

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Keir Starmer has offered his 'hearty congratulations' to Donald Trump - but is facing pressure to apologise over past comments made by David Lammy

Starmer offers 'hearty congratulations' to Trump, but faces pressure over Lammy's past criticisms of president

Kamala Harris has conceded defeat to Donald Trump

'I concede the election but not the fight': Harris urges supporters not to despair despite defeat to Trump

Donald Trump speaks at his election night watch party, Wednesday

What does Trump's victory mean for war in the Middle East and in Ukraine?

Amy Dowden and former dance partner JB Gill

Amy Dowden gives health update after announcing she is dropping out of Strictly in 'heartbreaking' statement

Mpox only spreads between people who are in close proximity to each other.

Another case of new more infectious mpox strain detected in UK, bringing total to four

Kamala Harris spoke with Donald Trump to congratulate him on his victory

Kamala Harris calls Trump to concede defeat and urges him to govern for all Americans as president

Exclusive
FILE - Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, right, and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shake hands during their meeting at Trump Tower, on Sept. 27, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File)

Trump 'is serious about ending Ukraine war', says former national security adviser as he blames Biden for the conflict

Suzy Lamplugh disappeared in 1986, with John Cannan the prime suspect

Prime suspect in disappearance of Suzy Lamplugh dies in prison 40 years after estate agent went missing

Queen Camilla will return to her royal duties next week.

Palace gives update on Camilla's return to work after Queen falls ill

Catherine Warrilow spoke out over her issue with Ryanair

Shock as Ryanair force passenger to pay over £100 for carry-on case - even though it fit in the checker

File photo of migrants being rescued in the Channel

Over 50 migrants rescued in English Channel, as 'several bodies' also pulled from the sea

JK Rowling funds a women-only rape crisis centre in Edinburgh

£70,000 payout for woman at centre of rape centre's 'trans heresy hunt'

Ukraine says forces clashed with North Korean troops for first time

Ukraine says forces clashed with North Korean troops for first time

John Swinney says he will press the new US government not to reintroduce tariffs on Scotch whisky.

Fears for Scottish whisky jobs with Trump election

Kamala Harris set to give concession speech hours after supporters are told to leave watch party amid Trump victory

Kamala Harris set to give concession speech hours after supporters are told to leave watch party amid Trump victory

Sara Sharif's father denies murdering the 10-year-old.

Sara Sharif's father accuses 'crazy' wife of abusing him before 10-year-old's death