Only 5% of teachers in Sweden feel their profession is valued, according to a major international study.

The OECD, responsible for Pisa tests comparing international education standards, has turned its attention to the state of teaching, examining the working lives of 100,000 teachers and heads in 34 education systems, the BBC said.

The economic think-tank argues that the quality of teaching, more than any other factor, determines the outcomes of an education system. But the report – Teaching and Learning International Survey (Talis) – shows that many teachers do not feel that the importance of their role is recognised.

The research reveals a wide cultural gap – with a much more positive perception of teacher status in Asia than in Europe.

Fewer than a third of teachers in developed countries feel their profession is valued. In Sweden the number is as low as 5%, following tumbling results in the international Pisa education rankings. Swedish pupils’ fell below the OECD average in maths, reading comprehension, and natural sciences.

In terms of aggressive behaviour, in Sweden there are reports of regular intimidation and verbal abuse towards teachers.