More than half of headteachers in England who were polled after their schools were inspected under Ofsted’s new regime are considering cutting short their careers as a result of the experience.

In response to the question “Has the inspection affected how long you intend to stay in your role?”, 52% of those who responded said they were thinking of leaving their job sooner than planned.

Amost two-thirds (64%) said the new inspections were “much more intense” than under the previous framework, while nearly nine in 10 (86%) struggled with their mental health and wellbeing while inspectors were on site.

The findings from the survey by the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) are a damning indictment of the new regime that is the result of a radical overhaul after the suicide of the primary school headteacher Ruth Perry in January 2023.

The changes, which were introduced a year ago, were intended to reduce the strain and workload caused by the inspection process, but many school leaders say they have…