In response to discussions over the need to persuade headteachers to phase their retirement, Teacher Support Network Chief Executive, Julian Stanley, said: “We have learnt from our online and telephone support services that the pressures of school leadership can cause headteachers to retire early. A phased transition to retirement could help ensure more are able to stay in the profession for longer and maintain a healthy work-life balance. This would not only safeguard their wellbeing, but also help them pass on vital knowledge and experience within the school.

“However, reduced hours must also mean reduced responsibilities. Dealing with the same pressures in shorter hours will exacerbate stress and impede headteachers’ ability to lead and develop other staff members.

“In addition, successfully avoiding shortages in headteachers is reliant on the adequate training and support of teachers in meeting their aspirations for more senior roles. This is particularly true of women, who, proportionate to the gender makeup of the teaching profession, are underrepresented in school leadership roles.”