The work headteachers do in managing their staff to shape the character and abilities of future generations is vital and yet easily overlooked. The best candidates are needed to bring out the best in our youngsters. So news of a national shortage of primary heads should concern us all, whether parents of school-age children or not.

Bradford may be faring better than other areas but there is no room for complacency. For those with a shortfall will be doing all they can to recruit, meaning Bradford could face greater competition in filling vacancies. Add to that a number of established heads in Bradford nearing retirement age and there are real grounds for concern.

But why is it that more teachers are shying away from what was once considered a desirable role?

New Government initiatives appearing almost every week, targets which must be met and inspectors breathing down necks must dissuade many fantastic teachers from giving it a go. Then there are non-teaching responsibilities, such as balancing the budget, which add to the workload.

Here in Bradford, the challenge of making a school climb up the league tables must seem more daunting than in other areas when many pupils start with poor or non-existent English.

Yes, exceptional teachers should be expected to step up to the plate but heads could also do with more effective support to help tackle all the non-academic issues now so much part of their days, so they can concentrate their efforts at the chalkface.