Commenting on a survey report published today by the Department for Education, Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said:
“It is disappointing but also telling that the Department for Education has kept the results of this survey under wraps for so long. It did not feature in their submission of evidence to the School Teachers’ Review Body as they consider pay for 2023/24. The inescapable conclusion for all who read it now, is that teacher workload is not only out of control but driving talented people out of the profession.
“A succession of education secretaries have expressed warm words about tackling workload, but in the same period they have failed to shift the dial. The Government is far from finding a solution and this is having damaging effects on recruitment and retention. An above inflation and fully funded pay offer is one measure that would make a crucial difference, but the Government is yet again reluctant to take the decisive steps necessary to tackle workload.
“The Government should act immediately to reduce the excess workload associated with our failing accountability system and should also plan to increase staffing and reduce class sizes.
“It is only proper that this survey is now considered by the STRB, in addition to the wealth of evidence submitted by education unions.”