ABSTRACT
Primary teachers have a long standing grievance at what many of them consider to be the unjust operation of a system which favours secondary schools. Secondary teachers under 30 had considerable ambitions for higher posts in their own schools, which were not unrealistic; but only 1 per cent expected to get headships, and 4 per cent hoped for deputy headships. Some 10 per cent of all men, but only 4 per cent of all women teachers, are heads; women teachers represent 77 per cent of the teaching force in primary schools, but hold only 43 per cent of the headships. Teachers’ promotions are vitally affected by the methods used in processing applications, and particularly by the composition of interviewing bodies. The involvement of teacher governors of individual schools, and teacher representatives on education committees in the selection process for appointing heads is another much needed reform.
