Goodbye Mr Chips - the new role model for teachers is the headmaster of schoolboy wizard Harry Potter.
Eleven per cent of Britain's headteachers admit they are inspired by the example of Professor Albus Dumbledore, the fictional wizard in charge of Hogwarts School.
The bearded professor is the creation of millionaire author J.K. Rowling. Earlier this year her series of Potter books were banned by the head of a primary school for making witchcraft look 'like fun', but a nationwide survey of headteachers released this weekend has discovered that the magical scholar is now almost as popular with the adults inside our classrooms as he is with the children.
While the enduring appeal of James Hilton's earnest hero, Charles Chipping, still placed 'Chips' high up in the results, the more relaxed attitude of Dumbledore scores almost as well.
The survey, which marks the launch of a website for schools set up by The Stationary Office, was designed to find out about attitudes and morale levels in primary and secondary schools.
The fictional character named by most headteachers was Ian George, the beleaguered head played by Lenny Henry in the BBC's drama series, Hope and Glory. An overwhelming 62 per cent of respondents picked George. The answers received from headteachers generally indicated a shift towards more positive and avuncular values and away from the efficient business ethos of the 'superhead'.
'Dumbledore is popular because he is always there when required, but he does not interfere unnecessarily,' said Mike Forster, the former head of a comprehensive school in Worthing.
'He leaves Harry alone to do things and he allows him to make his own mistakes.'
Headteachers reject, it seems, the verdict of the head of Chatham's St Mary's Island School, Carol Rookwood, who banned the younger children in her school from reading the Potter books.
'All headteachers these days need to make the most of scarce resources,' said Forster. 'Perhaps Albus Dumbledore's ability to create school banquets out of thin air is what appeals.'
The professor is extremely popular from the pupil's perspective too.
'He understands the children and treats them fairly,' said Harry Potter fan, Anna, aged 12.
'He is in control of everybody, but not really strict and he is always making sure everything is all right.'
Her friend Megan, also 12, agreed. Dumbledore, she pointed out, is very good at making sure that the punishment fits the crime. 'He would not be horrible if you were just two minutes late,' she said.
'He can be frightening, but only to certain people.'
'He is one of my favourite characters in the books,' adds Bethan, 11. 'He always helps Harry and he makes things happen.'
The role of the professor is to be played by veteran actor Richard Harris in the forthcoming Hollywood film. Harris, who is 70, had not read the books but was persuaded to take the part by his granddaughter Ella.
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