Poll reveals the true impact of timetabling on teachersí time

A poll has revealed that 57% of schools spend up to a third of the school year constructing their timetable. The survey was conducted by specialist non-teaching school recruitment consultancy, Special Agent, a division of leading education recruitment consultancy, Select Education.

The poll, which asked teachers how long their schools spent planning, constructing and editing the timetable, revealed timetabling is an extensive process, which takes teachers away from valuable teaching time in the classroom. One respondent commented: ìTimetablers need to devote much of their time and effort to constructing a schoolís timetable that could be better used elsewhereî. Despite the concern for wasted teaching time and resources, it is clear that timetabling needs to be taken seriously.

Worryingly, 15% of respondents spend as little as four weeks a year working on their timetable. This figure is particularly concerning since a poorly planned and constructed timetable can impact negatively on the running of the school and the academic success of the pupils.

Roy Williams, project director for timetabling at Special Agent comments: ìTimetabling is a technical skill and done well can improve progress for pupils and the school as a whole; allowing the school to be run effectively, raising the academic standards of the pupils and improving behaviour.

ìConsideration needs to be given to which subjects -- and for which year groups -- are most suited to which time of day as pupils need to be given a range of different lessons and experiences throughout the day. For example, after a lively Drama class, pupils need a lesson that has clear structure. The timetabler also needs to be aware of potential issues with movement around the schoolî.

With the increasing number of subjects available in schools, as well as off site activities introduced through the 14-19 diplomas, what was already a difficult task is set to become even more demanding.

Commenting on the findings of the poll, Williams adds: ìIt is clear timetabling is extremely time consuming. From working alongside schools to help plan and construct their timetable, we are able to remove the hassle of timetabling whilst freeing up teachers to actually teach.

ìOur experience has shown many school staff do not realise the amount of work that goes into the timetable. It takes skill and expertise to complete effectively; from the planning stage through to the ongoing support, it is a lot more than ticking boxesî.