The school leaders are also head and shoulders above the other professions surveyed, with police officers ranking third at 19 per cent and doctors fourth at 15 per cent. They are followed by councillors/local elected government officials (10 per cent) and sports coaches/managers (10 per cent).
Local employers/ business people and ministers of religion were ranked the lowest with 9 per cent and 8 per cent respectively.
The findings come on the eve of the national New Heads’ Conference. Hosted by the National College, the conference is expected to attract up to 400 newly appointed headteachers.
Toby Salt, deputy chief executive of the National College, believes the poll reflects parents’ confidence in the professionalism
of headteachers and respect for their important role.
“School leaders are right up there, pipped only by armed forces officers serving in places such as Afghanistan and Iraq, as the best examples of leadership in today’s society, far and above our other leaders.”
He added: “I think coming just below those brave service men and women is a major tribute to the current generation of school leaders and makes clear how much we depend on them."
claire.haworth@nationalcollege.org.uk
0115 872 3825
