Scottish schools are struggling to recruit headteachers, with those in remote and rural areas facing the biggest problems.

A report by the Headteacher Recruitment Working Group, out today, addresses the “apparent reduction in the attractiveness of the role of headteacher”.

Although the report describes this as “a complex societal issue” with solutions sometimes “beyond the control” of the education system, it does make several recommendations for what could be done.

Here are six key points:

1. The flattening of career structures across Scotland has led to a gradual reduction in promoted posts - about 1,500 fewer in 2017 than in 2010 - which appears to be “having an impact on the number of teachers with well-developed leadership skills and experience who feel confident in considering headship”.
2. The working group rejected the potential solution of a fast-track route to becoming a headteacher, as it “would not best meet the needs of the teaching profession in Scotland”.
3. Recruitment of heads to Catholic schools has been “an area of particular concern”, so Education Scotland and the Scottish Catholic Education Service have been advised to work together to build leadership skills in the sector.
4. Workload and stress in promoted posts is on the rise, according to primary school leaders’ body AHDS, so the report urges local authorities to help heads reduce bureaucracy, and to find administrative and business-management support.
5. Reviewing headteacher pay should be a “key element” in the effort to increase the number of applicants for posts.
6. Despite all the concerns, the role of head is still seen as “incredibly rewarding and fulfilling”, with an AHDS survey showing that headteachers themselves remain consistently likely to recommend headship to other teachers.

AHDS general secretary Greg Dempster said: “Headteacher recruitment has been a big issue for some time. The Headteacher Recruitment Working Group report does not shy away from the challenges that need to be addressed. AHDS very much welcomes the report and the actions it sets out.”

Addressing the AHDS conference in Glasgow today, education secretary and deputy first minister John Swinney said: “While the number of teachers in promoted posts increased last year and the average age of headteachers is reducing, Scotland needs more headteachers to inspire pupils and teachers to reach their full potential.

“Many of the [report’s] recommendations are aimed at improving support for teachers, through improved coaching and development programmes, or by sharing best practice.”

He added: “This year, for the first time, we are supplementing our successful teacher-recruitment campaign with a headteacher-specific campaign to encourage teachers to consider a future in headship.”