Reports: Teacher's workload

The three review groups set up to propose ways of reducing teachers’ workload have submitted their final reports to the Education Secretary, Nicky Morgan. The first report calls on all parties in the education system to reduce the unnecessary burdens of data management by ensuring that every data collection has a clear purpose and that the process is as efficient as possible; the second looks at the role that marking plays in teaching and the three principles of effective marking; the final report, looks at the role that planning plays in effective teaching, the difference between lesson planning for accountability purposes and lesson planning to help pupil progress.

The recent NUT conference supported warnings on workload, which delegates said had been exacerbated by teacher shortages and rising pupil numbers. Delegates said teachers were now working 65 to 70 hours per week in term time, claiming it to be one of the most common reasons for teachers leaving the profession.