Exploring the Pressures – Wellbeing in Schools

In recent years, a growing body of UK-based literature has examined the wellbeing in schools, particularly teachers and senior leaders, highlighting the mounting pressures they face around mental health, workload, and overall wellbeing. This blog aims to summarise key findings from the most influential reports, helping to address the critical question – “How can we support the wellbeing of teachers and school leaders in an increasingly demanding educational landscape?“

1. Teacher Wellbeing Index

The Teacher Wellbeing Index, published annually by Education Support, is a cornerstone resource for understanding the state of mental health and wellbeing in schools, especially among teachers and senior leaders in the UK. The report consistently highlights that:

• Workload is the top issue affecting wellbeing, with many educators reporting long hours, administrative burden, and high expectations.
• Mental health challenges are prevalent, with over 75% of education staff reporting that they have experienced symptoms of stress, anxiety, or depression due to work.
• Senior leaders face unique pressures, with a higher incidence of burnout linked to their responsibilities in managing both staff and student wellbeing, as well as the operational demands of schools.

The findings point to the urgent need for schools to implement strategies that reduce workload and promote mental health support for all staff. Teacher Wellbeing Index: mental health & wellbeing research (educationsupport.org.uk)

2. Workload Challenge Report

The Workload Challenge Report, first published in 2014 by the Department for Education (DfE), continues to shape the conversation on how to reduce excessive workload in schools. The report underscores that:

• Paperwork and data management are significant contributors to teacher stress, with many educators feeling that time spent on administrative tasks detracts from lesson planning and student engagement.
• Work-life balance remains a critical issue, as teachers often work late into the evening or over weekends to meet deadlines, compromising their personal wellbeing.

In response, the DfE has encouraged schools to streamline tasks and focus on what truly matters: teaching and learning. However, literature suggests that while some progress has been made, many schools still struggle to reduce the burden on staff.

3. Mental Health in Education

Ofsted’s Mental Health in Education reports focus on the importance of fostering a mentally healthy environment in schools. Findings indicate that:

• Teachers and leaders often carry the weight of responsibility for both student mental health and their own, with limited support structures in place for staff wellbeing.
• Cultural change is needed to make mental health a priority at the leadership level. Schools that encourage open dialogue about mental health, provide access to resources, and train staff in mental health awareness report higher levels of staff satisfaction and reduced absenteeism.

This report calls for a whole-school approach where mental health is seen as integral to school performance, not just an additional task.

4. Teacher Workload Survey

The Teacher Workload Survey, another critical resource, offers a granular view of how workload affects teachers and leaders. Key takeaways include:

• Excessive hours remain a significant barrier to teacher wellbeing, with many educators reporting they work over 50 hours per week. This is particularly true for senior leaders, who face the added responsibility of managing staff and operational demands.
• External accountability pressures, such as Ofsted inspections and performance measures, add to the workload and stress of school staff.

The survey advocates for reducing unnecessary tasks, increasing professional autonomy, and creating more supportive work environments.

5. The Impact of School Leadership on Wellbeing

NFER’s research on the impact of school leadership on wellbeing in schools provides critical insights into how the pressures of leadership trickle down to the entire school community. Findings show that:

• Leadership roles are linked to higher stress levels, with headteachers often reporting feelings of isolation and overwhelm due to the dual demands of running a school and supporting staff wellbeing.
• Support for leaders is crucial to overall staff wellbeing, as schools with strong leadership practices tend to have lower turnover rates and higher staff morale.

This research underscores the importance of investing in leadership development and providing mental health resources for those in senior roles.

6. Health and Wellbeing in the School Workforce

The NASUWT union’s reports on health and wellbeing offer a powerful voice from the frontline, revealing that:

• Staff retention is increasingly threatened by wellbeing issues, with many teachers considering leaving the profession due to high stress and insufficient support.
• Workplace culture plays a pivotal role in staff wellbeing, with schools that prioritise mental health and offer flexible working arrangements seeing lower rates of burnout.

The union advocates for systemic change, calling on policymakers to take urgent action to safeguard the mental health of educators.

7. Exploring the Relationship Between Teacher Wellbeing and Pupil Wellbeing (UCL Institute of Education)

This study by UCL highlights the intrinsic link between teacher wellbeing and student outcomes. Findings suggest that:

• Teacher stress can negatively impact student performance, with disengaged or overwhelmed teachers struggling to provide the emotional and academic support students need.
• Wellbeing initiatives that focus on both staff and students can lead to a more positive school environment, where everyone feels supported.

The report advocates for schools to adopt a holistic approach, ensuring that staff wellbeing is treated as an essential component of student success.

My own experience

As a Deputy Headteacher during the COVID pandemic, I recall the heightened anxiety among staff. Many were concerned about their health, their students’ progress, and their own ability to cope with rapidly changing conditions. I found myself constantly fielding worries from colleagues who were struggling to balance their workload with personal concerns. The lack of formal support for their wellbeing was stark, and I often spent my evenings providing informal emotional support, realising that staff wellbeing had become an overlooked priority. Post COVID it has not got any better, with many staff working extremely hard to support the students they serve.

Addressing the Wellbeing Crisis in UK Schools

The literature on educational staff wellbeing paints a concerning picture of the mental health, workload, and wellbeing challenges facing teachers and senior leaders. From excessive hours and administrative burden to the isolation felt by headteachers, the pressures are clear. However, the research also provides a roadmap for improvement:

• Reducing workload through smarter processes and policies.
• Promoting mental health by fostering open, supportive environments.
• Supporting leadership by providing targeted resources and development.

By taking these steps, schools can not only protect the wellbeing of their staff but also create a healthier, more resilient educational community.

How People First Can Help?

At People First, we understand the challenges that educators face and how vital it is to create a work environment that fosters both personal wellbeing and professional success. Whether it’s helping leaders to better manage the pressures they face or providing tailored support to reduce teacher burnout, we’re here to help.

Our Work and Wellbeing Programmes are designed to:

• Equip senior leaders with the tools and strategies needed to balance workload and wellbeing.
• Help teachers develop coping mechanisms for managing stress and improving work-life balance.
• Foster a supportive and collaborative school culture that prioritises mental health and wellbeing.
• Enable schools to create personalised wellness action plans that encourage proactive health management.

If you’re interested in exploring how these approaches can be applied to improve wellbeing in your educational setting, contact us today. The wellbeing of educators is essential for inspiring and supporting students. Healthy, resilient staff lead to better educational outcomes and a stronger school community. Together, we can create a thriving educational environment where productivity and personal satisfaction go hand in hand.

Let’s work together to make wellbeing a priority in your school, for the benefit of both staff and students alike.