More support needed for women applying for senior roles, report says

A report by Ranstad education has argued that more support is needed for women applying for senior roles in schools.

The report entitled, Women and the Education Pay Gap, surveyed 480 teachers and found that 43 per cent of female teachers believe a glass ceiling is holding them back in their careers.

It also found that 84 per cent of female teachers wouldn’t ever consider asking for a pay rise, compared to 75 per cent of male teachers.

Commenting on the government’s academisation plans, it warns the move could ‘risk creating a system where pay structures are less transparent’ and could push women out of the profession. It urged schools to do more to encourage women into leadership positions, particularly in light of the retention crisis.

When asked to explain why they felt they were unable to move up in their career, female teachers cited a number of reasons, including: a lack of confidence (23 per cent); employer attitudes (21 per cent); and a fear of how they will be perceived by senior management and colleagues (13 per cent).

Ranstad concluded that more needed to be done to encourage women to ask for pay rises and to apply for more senior roles, if the number of female head teachers is to increase.