ASCL responds to Ofsted’s report on the impact of teacher workload on professional development opportunities

Responding to a report from Ofsted which states that mounting teacher workloads are reducing opportunities for professional development, Geoff Barton, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said:

“It is significant that even Ofsted is now highlighting the impact of teacher workloads. This problem is caused by the government’s chronic underfunding of the education system and teacher shortages resulting from real-terms pay cuts. Professional development is a vital element of supporting career progression, classroom practice and retaining teachers. But schools and colleges have very little time or money to do anything beyond the needs of the day. This desperate situation doesn’t just affect professional development time but every aspect of school and college life. It is simply unsustainable and the government must act.”