And two-thirds said they felt they could reach a headship post more quickly than in the past.

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In order for headship to become attractive again, Mr Marcon thinks the role itself must change.

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Instead, their headship rates are about on par with the lowest dip in population around 1998.

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Headship recruitment was most difficult in London where 44% of jobs were re-advertised.

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Since the mid-1980s, headship rates across the board have essentially stayed flat.

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National Association of Head Teachers general secretary Mick Brookes said the survey findings contrasted with previous research showing very few middle managers aspired to headship.

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Some evangelicals believe that the Bible teaches a divine order of men and women known as "male headship" - which goes right back to Creation.

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This one measures the household headship rate.

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