Some of the sections of this report cover the leadership style of the headteachers.
The views expressed in this report are those of the heads, the views of teachers in
their schools who might see them differently have not been sought. Also the views
and perceptions expressed are those of existing headteachers, not those of women
and men who are now aspiring to headship, or who may have a different idea of a
successful career (see for example, Acker, 1994). However, lessons for aspiring
heads and for gender equity can be drawn from what the heads have to say.
Diversity: gender, ethnicity and disability
The views that are represented in the surveys reported here are from women and
men headteachers from maintained schools of every kind. Gender is only one aspect
of diversity, but it is the focus of this study and report. Other aspects of diversity are
not considered in detail here. Issues for teachers and headteachers from Black and
Minority Ethnic backgrounds are raised in the small-scale qualitative research for
NCSL of McKenley and Gordon, (2002) and are to be the subject of further NCSL
work. Within the current survey some comments testify to the particular difficulties
that black women face in obtaining headship. Race and gender issues can both
apply. One female primary head from an ethnic minority did state that in her
experience: 'sexist attitudes are far more prevalent than racist attitudes', another
male primary head that 'because of racist attitudes my gender issues were
superseded by issues of colour.'
The heads in this survey were asked about their ethnicity and also whether they had
a disability. The number of headteachers from black and minority ethnic
backgrounds is very small (96 per cent reported that they were white). Out of total of
1100 responses there were: two Indian; four Caribbean; 18 (two per cent) White and
Asian; one Chinese; two White and Black African; two White and Black Caribbean,
one other Asian, four other Black or Black British and seven not stated. In all 96 per
cent indicated that they were white.
Only one per cent stated that they had any disability. Of this very small percentage,
most stated their disability as deafness, one as diabetes and one that they were a
wheelchair user.
A brief summary of some of the major findings of the 1990s surveys follows, to help
provide the background for the presentation of the main findings of the 2004 survey.
In 1996 the whole population of women secondary headteachers were surveyed
(number 670) and the response rate was 70 per cent. In 1999 a survey of one in four
sample of men secondary headteachers (number 670) achieved a 60 per cent
response rate.
A summary of some of the major findings from the 1990s surveys
Discrimination and gender related barriers
Women secondary heads felt isolated as leaders, with about two thirds reporting
experience of discrimination and sexism, and feeling at some time that they have to
justify their existence as women leaders. The male heads did not question their
situation as leaders
Stereotypes about women identified them with the more 'domestic' and caring role in
schools.
The most common example of sexism in interviews related to the family
commitments of the women.