INCREASING problems with pupil behaviour in classrooms is a key factor in teachers choosing to leave the profession, a study showed today.

Analysis published by the National Foundation for Educational Research also found that teachers who have complained about poor behaviour in their schools were more likely to quit their jobs or at least consider doing so.

The findings follow previous research from the Department of Education that revealed educators’ belief that trouble with poor pupil behaviour has become significantly worse since 2021-22.

Teachers also reported spending too much of their working day dealing with behavioural concerns rather than lesson planning, with 59 per cent of them saying this about last year, up from 50 per cent for 2022.

The foundation demanded that the government further develop its approach to improving behaviour and meet pupils’ additional needs.

Association of School and College Leaders general secretary Pepe Di’Iasio said the link between behavioural problems and teachers’ job satisfaction were “concerning” because the profession cannot “afford retention rates to further worsen.”

The Department for Education was contacted for comment.