Schools leaders are unsure about which of the main political parties is best able to deliver meaningful change and improvement to the education system, according to a new survey.

The Key for School Leaders State of Education report revealed that six out of ten headteachers were of this opinion, with the overwhelming majority (77.2 per cent) particularly critical of the coalition government’s record over the last five years.

One of the clearest messages emanating out of the poll is the consensus among school leaders for central government to take a back seat in terms of education - there has been far too much interference from Westminster over the years, to the detriment of teachers and pupils.

Contextualising this weariness of constant policy changes, as well as the dire state of Ofsted inspections, The Key for School Leaders observed how teaching, headship and governor positions are becoming less attractive propositions for entrants.

Of those canvassed, 71.5 per cent were of the opinion that compared to five years ago, the profession at all levels is not as appealing as it once was.

With specific regards to headship roles, 86.8 per cent of school leaders said enthusiasm for this has diminished since 2015.

Lord Michael Bichard, non-executive director of The Key for School Leaders, commented that the results of the survey were both “fascinating and worrying in equal measure”.

“The profession has had to deal with extraordinary levels of change which inevitably impacts on morale, work-life balance and levels of stress,” he said.

“But what shines through this time is deep scepticism whether the changes imposed are likely to improve quality coupled with a strong desire to ensure that future changes are driven by a better understanding of ‘what works’.

“So, politicians of all parties have much to do to convince school leaders that they do understand what really drives improvement in schools and they are prepared to take account of research in making decisions.”