ONE of the most comprehensive studies into teachers' working practice and workload has revealed the need for radical shake-up if more graduates are to be lured into the profession.

The independent study, commissioned by the Department for Education and Skills and conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers, identified a number of factors which it claims add to teachers' stress and disillusionment.

Key findings revealed the intensive nature of a teachers' working week and widespread variation in how individual workloads are managed in a school setting.

The study highlighted the need for greater planning and delegation of tasks, and found that teachers are often undertaking duties which could be carried out by other staff.

It also identified a lack of professional development opportunities for teachers and claimed that they are not always sufficiently versed in information technology to be fully effective.

Commenting on the findings, school standards minister Stephen Timms, said: "We know that teachers have a challenging job. They are making a huge contribution to improving standards and we are clear that their workload must be manageable.

"We set up this review to find practical ways of reducing their workload and we want to build on what's already in place substantially increased investment in schools generally, and in ICT in particular."

Mr Timms said that the next phase of the study would examine practical solutions to these issues through close collaboration with headteachers and unions.

So, it's official teachers are stressed.

But if you want to find out how best to cope, a special seminar focusing on the anxiety associated with Ofsted inspections will be held on Saturday, September 29, from 10.30am.

The seminar, organised by the independent schools section of the Professional Association of Teachers, is free to both members and non-members and will take place at the Royal Masonic School for Girls in Rickmansworth.