With not enough forty-somethings waiting to take their place, the prospect of hundreds of schools being left leaderless is very real.

Coupled with this is the increasing reluctance of many in senior leadership roles to step up and take the top job. The increased administrative and financial burden, and greater visibility and accountability, mean that for many it is an unattractive option.

Research carried out for the Department for Education and Skills in 2005 revealed that more than a third of deputy heads have no plans to apply to become heads.

“They see the job as too accountable, too relentless and too complex,” says Professor Geoff Southworth, deputy chief executive of the National College for School Leadership (NCSL). “Quite a few people look at headship and don’t think they can do it. This is an issue of confidence, ultimately.”