Schools could face a recruitment crisis as the number of headteachers is likely to decline over the next 10 years. That’s the latest warning from the National College of School Leadership to hit the sector.

A study by the college claimed that education could see a mass exodus of staff at the top as many headteachers will reach retirement age over the next decade.

Around 45% of headteachers, deputies and assistant heads in England are now over 50 years old. And more than half of teachers are over 45 years of age, it claimed.

The college is calling on local authorities and schools to make developing younger staff as leaders a priority.

The Teacher Training Agency is investing £12m in its ‘Use Your Head – Teach’ advertising campaign.