Special schools are among those most likely to have to readvertise for vacant headteacher roles, according to new figures.
Of the 44 special schools experiencing a turnover of leaders in the past quarter since September, nine had to readvertise – two more than twice – according to figures from Data for Education, compiled by Professor John Howson, of Oxford Teacher Services.
Howson, who has collated teacher recruitment figures over many years, said that “with SEND such a key policy topic, this level of re-advertisement is a matter for concern”.
Special schools, together with Roman Catholic schools, both needed above average levels of readvertisements to find the right applicants.
recruiting staff for special schools is often overlooked and deserves more attention from policymakers
The analysis revealed that five of the 44 schools needing heads offered six-figure salaries, with one special school specifying more than £115,000 for the successful candidate.
As an incentive to prospective candidates, the data showed, special schools offered perks such as a “commitment to wellbeing” including “paid wellbeing days”, as well as flexible working hours and an “employee referral scheme” that could see them getting an additional £500 for successful referrals.
Other inducements included “highly resourced classrooms, small class sizes and access to multidisciplinary teams” and “a strong safeguarding and therapeutic culture”.
Howson added: “As in past surveys, it is clear that some schools are finding recruiting a new headteacher more of a challenge than other schools.
“Two types of school: special schools and schools operated by the Roman Catholic church, both had above average levels of re-advertisements in this survey.
“In the case of two special schools, these schools have been recorded as having placed two re-advertisements for their vacancy, in addition to their first advertisement. Hopefully, these schools will be successful with their third advertisement.
“The problems recruiting staff for special schools is often overlooked when the SEND crisis is discussed and deserves more attention from policymakers.”
