Some of the more alarming findings include the fact that two thirds of teachers believe their pupils are less well-behaved now than they were just 3 years ago. Additionally, almost one in three teachers claim to have been threatened with violence by a pupil or parent in the past year. Commenting on these headline findings, Stephen Link, the FDS project director said, "The poll revealed some significant findings, not least the decline in pupil behaviour. Teachers in special and primary schools especially run the risk of being threatened and even assaulted."

In spite of the ingrained problems of discipline and violence, many teachers do appear to remain optimistic about their work. The survey found that two thirds reported they were satisfied with their jobs. Some unrest is evident however, as three fifths were revealed as wanting reform in the schools’ official body OFSTED. On this issue, the remaining two fifths of teachers actually claimed that they want it to be scrapped altogether.

Politically speaking, teachers continue to back a Labour government, even though less than a third think that Tony Blair has kept his pre-election pledge to increase support for schools. The research indicates that, if a general election were called tomorrow, 54% of teacher voters would vote Labour (down from 57% in 1997).