Who is being appointed to headteacher posts?

The following data is collated from the annual survey undertaken by Education Data Surveys (EDS) on behalf of National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) and Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL).

The survey tracks actual recruitment to school leadership roles each year, providing information about the candidates who are actually being appointed by governing bodies.

Table: Headteacher appointments in 2005-06

Age on appointmentPrimary schoolsSecondary schools
Under 3510%2%
35-3922%10%
40-4425%23%
45-4921%39%
50+22%26%

SexPrimary schoolsSecondary schools
Female70%38%
Male30%62%

Job role prior to appointmentPrimary schoolsSecondary schools
Substantive headteacher already28%18%
Acting headteacher22%19%
Deputy headteacher38%54%
Assistant headteacher5%4%
Other8%10%

Source: Education Data Surveys