Having tried secondary school teaching when he first entered the profession nearly three decades ago he says he

Having tried secondary school teaching when he first entered the profession nearly three decades ago, he says he finds his current job “more exciting. There is an enthusiasm for learning which is not necessarily there in the secondary school,” he said. “I started in a secondary school and worked my way downwards, but it’s marvellous The children are so much more receptive and motivated They are keen to learn. It’s quite an exciting job.”Besides, with more youngsters coming from single- parent families, it is important for them to see a male role model early in life and the school may be the only place they come into contact with one.”Teachers’ leaders have claimed that pay is one of the factors that puts men off becoming primary school teachers. They argue it is less easy to win promotion points and, in areas where the cost of living is high, impossible to afford to buy a home if you are the main breadwinner of the family.Some claim the increase in malicious allegations against teachers might have deterred some men from applying.John King thinks the problem is “partly historical”. He said: “There may be a feeling that a female teacher has a more motherly image and puts the pupil at their ease. But I am sure that once governors see what a male teacher can offer a school, that can be overcome.”John himself is so keen to get to work he jogs the three miles from his home every morning.

He has been nicknamed “The Pied Piper of Solihull” as pupils join his fun run when he passes their homes.He is also initiating school breakfasts during the World Cup so pupils can come in early, treat themselves to a croissant and watch England games that kick off early.That, he is certain, shows there is more fun to be gained from teaching in a primary school and he wishes more men would apply.Certainly, parents at John’s school have no difficulty with him. One, Dr Jo Waddell, nominated him for the teaching award, saying: “Parents have been known to celebrate at the news that he is to teach their child.”. Schools in Kent could become the first to adopt a six-term year. The county is to consult parents on a proposal to scrap the fixed Easter holiday from September next year. A final decision will be made later this year.The councillors were prompted by a survey in which 80 per cent of the 383 headteachers who responded were in favour of an overhaul of the calendar. Only 25 heads (6.5 per cent) wanted the traditional three-term year to be retained, 100 preferred a five-term year and 215 the six-term model.Under the proposals, the school year would start in mid-August rather than September and the current three terms would be split into six shorter terms punctuated by two-week holidays. There would be a summer holiday of at least five weeks.Supporters of the scheme argue that it would reduce truancy, sickness and teacher stress caused by fatigue at the end of long terms They also believe hay fever sufferers would benefit.

The Kent committee appointed to consider the proposals concluded there was clear evidence that a six-term year would benefit pupils and teachers. However, some teachers and headteachers fear the change will cause disruption without producing substantial benefits.Councillors rejected a five-term year, saying it would be too radical a change. The council report concludes: “The committee felt that the six-term pattern offered the best opportunity to standardise term times. Evidence indicates that this will reduce fatigue and improve curriculum planning.”The Kent paper acknowledges that the proposals could cause problems for parents, teachers and schools if its neighbouring authorities – East Sussex, Surrey, Bromley, Bexley and Medway – did not adopt the new system.Two Kent schools have already abandoned the tradition-al three-term year.