Bullying at work could force 60 per cent of teachers and lecturers to leave their jobs. Respondents to a survey by Teacher Support Network revealed that 47 per cent would consider quitting because of bullying by management, a further 12 per cent due to bullying by colleagues and one per cent by mentors or governors.

In the last academic year, Teacher Support Line worked with 450 teachers and lecturers to find solutions to workplace relationship problems including bullying by management, colleagues, governors and mentors.

Commenting in Teacher Support Network’s figures ahead of Ban Bullying at Work Day on November 7, Patrick Nash, Chief Executive, said:

"Bullying in schools is not confined to the playground. Staffroom bullying is a very serious matter which must be tackled by managers in schools, colleges and universities before teachers and lecturers quit due to stress, depression and anxiety.

"Relationships with managers and colleagues really impacts on the enjoyment and development of teachers and lecturers.

"Unfortunately, bullying has a destructive effect on the confidence, morale and health of the bullied person, and potentially has a knock-on impact on their students. “Bullying can take many forms - from relentless criticism and fault finding to excessive work expectations, from abuse of discipline and competence procedures, to blocks to promotion and training.

"Teacher Support Line aims to help teachers and lecturers overcome their difficulties to keep them in the profession and, wherever appropriate, incidents of management bullying are referred to the unions."

Case Studies James, 42, from the North of England, has been a headteacher for three years. He says:

"From day one I have not been allowed by the school governors to do my job. I have been shouted at, sworn at, ignored and made to feel small, ignorant and unimportant. The LEA I work for has continually told me that they cannot do anything and that I have to try to work with these people.

"When I arrived at the school, the deputy headteacher told me a similar story of her own experiences, and I know that the situation is affecting a lot of the other staff as well but I feel unable to do anything about it.

"I know that I am doing a good job and have moved this school forwards considerably over time with help from parents and the wider community, but I have been feeling very low and, until recently, when I spoke to a counsellor at Teacher Support Network, I wasn’t sure I had anywhere to turn.

"The counsellor has allowed me to explain my situation and how I’m feeling, and we are now working together to try and find a solution to my situation. So I’m feeling more positive."

Jenny, 47, a secondary school teacher from Greater London resigned last term after 25 years of teaching. She says:

"The headteacher at my school bullied several of the staff, including me. She was a new head in a challenging school and all the staff felt a real lack of support from her.

"Bullying by the head, coupled with constant low level abuse by students, and being made to feel it was my fault for ''''not making lessons acceptable enough for the pupils'''', got to me, and in the end I suffered a nervous breakdown and was put on anti-depressants.

"I eventually decided to leave, take further qualifications, and go where my skills are more appreciated."