Potter top choice to keep pupils spellbound, but parents not so sure

A new survey reveals that the Harry Potter author is children’s most popular choice when it comes to the perfect female teacher. And Hogwarts’ famous headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, was the most popular choice for perfect male teacher.

But parents have a different view, opting for Carol Vorderman and Stephen Fry as the ideal people to teach their offspring.

The survey, commissioned by the Times Educational Supplement (TES), asked parents and children to pick people they thought would make perfect male and female teachers from a list of celebrities and well-known figures.

Two-fifths of the children questioned said JK Rowling would make the perfect female teacher.

Miss Honey, the teacher from Roald Dahl’s Matilda, Cheryl Cole and the Duchess of Cambridge also scored highly.

Among parents, TV presenter Carol Vorderman was the top choice, picked by 48 per cent, with actress Helen Mirren, JK Rowling and comedienne Dawn French also popular.

Stephen Fry was picked by 40 per cent of parents, making him the most popular option, followed by naturalist and broadcaster David Attenborough and businessman Lord Alan Sugar.

The survey also asked parents and children what qualities and traits they thought were most important in a teacher.

The supplement’s editor Gerard Kelly said: “Amongst parents, it’s clear that no-one wants to see a real-life version of bully Sue Sylvester (from the TV show Glee) stalking the corridors and classrooms, but the majority would be happy to see today’s teachers commanding more respect from their pupils.”