Stressed heads turning to drink

The survey suggests high levels of stress

Stress is pushing head teachers towards alcoholism, claims a local union survey.

According to the National Association of Head Teachers, almost a quarter of heads reported in a survey that they were drinking too much or had become alcohol dependent.

If this figure were to be applied nationally, this could mean up 6,000 head teachers in England and Wales with alcohol-related problems.

Heads are just sick and tired of the target-setting agenda, with those targets being ratcheted up year after year after year

David Hart, NAHT

In a survey of members in Warwickshire, the NAHT says it has uncovered "horrific" levels of stress among head teachers, creating health problems for heads and their families.

Almost half of head teachers reported that they had been to the doctor with problems ascribed to over-work. Among the problems cited were depression, high blood pressure and stomach disorders.

Counselling had been sought by head teachers and others had been prescribed tranquilisers, claims the union.

According to the NAHT this extra strain has been caused by the wave of initiatives and setting of targets launched by the government and the extra administration that it required.

"I think this is horrific and I think many of these figures would be replicated in many other parts of the country," said the union's general secretary, David Hart.

"Heads are just sick and tired of the target-setting agenda, with those targets being ratcheted up year after year after year."