Almost one in four teachers has been a victim of violence, according to a survey by the Association of Teachers and Lecturers.

Six out of 10 of the 1,000 teachers surveyed said they believed that pupil behaviour had worsened during the past five years.

Commenting on the survey, Dean Kelly, chief executive of education recruiter, Synarbor, says: “The effect on teacher agencies can be both positive and negative. As there is generally an improved liquidity in the supply market due to a shortfall in permanent placements at schools with behavioural management issues, although agency staff can then be seen as the ‘scapegoat’ for poor behaviour or as too transient when not supported at a higher level within the school.

“However, many teachers are geographically restricted due to the collapse of the housing market and therefore the results of these issues on teacher numbers may not truly be known until the economy starts to pick up.

“Aggressive behaviour is obviously a big concern for those looking to get into teaching and for those working with tough charges, this will only get worse as unemployment rises and negative socioeconomic issues unfold within the community.”