NAHT is a trade union and professional association representing more than 45,000 members in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Members hold leadership positions in early years; primary; special and secondary schools; independent schools; sixth form and FE colleges; outdoor education centres; pupil referral units, social services establishments and other educational settings. The union was founded in 1897 as the National Federation of Head Teachers' Associations. Membership grew from just over 1,000 in 1898 to 10,000 in 1947, and 20,000 by the 1980s. For many years, membership was restricted to headteachers, but deputy headteachers were admitted from 1985, and assistant headteachers from 2000. General Secretaries 1897: J. Edwards 1901: E. F. Farthing c.1915: Dougherty c.1921: Jackson 1928: R. J. Shambrook 1930: Thomas Tibbey 1934 1966: Robert Cook 1978: David Hart 2005: Mick Brookes 2010: Russell Hobby 2017 Paul Whiteman References External links NAHT website Education trade unions Trade unions in the United Kingdom 1897 establishments in the United Kingdom Organizations established in 1897 Trade unions based in West Sussex Trade unions affiliated with the Trades Union Congress