Sharp rise in head-teacher mental health issues

Depression from senior leaders has risen from 25% in 2017 to 40% in 2018, according to the Education Support Partnership's Teacher Wellbeing Index 2018, conducted in partnership with YouGov. The survey shows that 80% of senior leaders suffer from work-related stress, 40% suffer from symptoms of depression and 63% consider leaving the profession.

Overall, the survey of educational professionals finds that 76% have experienced behavioural, psychological or physical symptoms due to their work, compared to 60% of UK employees, 57% considered leaving the profession in the last two years due to health pressures, and 47% experienced depression, anxiety or panic attacks due to work.

The 2018 results – when compared to ESP’s Health Survey 2017 – revealed a significant rise in several mental health and wellbeing-related symptoms.

Insomnia has increased from 41 to 56% and irritability or mood swings has risen from 37 to 51%.

Tearfulness has risen from 31 to 44%, forgetfulness has risen 27 to 41% and difficulty concentrating has increased from 27 per cent to 40%.

Senior leaders were more likely to suffer from all these symptoms than teachers and other education professionals.

Acute stress was a new category for the 2018 survey – with 27% of education professionals showing signs of this (31% for senior leaders), and 23% with these signs receiving a formal diagnosis from their GP.

Heralded as the most comprehensive report into the wellbeing of educational professionals –spanning teaching assistants and newly qualified teachers through to senior leaders across primary, secondary and further education – the Index builds on the findings of ESP’s 2017 survey and will act as a benchmark to analyse findings in the education sector over time.

Commenting on the 2018 Index, Julian Stanley said: “Of particular concern for me this year is the sharp rise in poor mental health amongst senior leaders. We must do more to protect this group and support them to manage their own wellbeing as well as equipping them with the resources to create a positive mental health culture for their staff.

“Teaching is one of the most important jobs there is, a chance to shape the future of the next generation. But by turning the role into an unmanageable task or failing to make wellbeing a priority in schools we risk alienating those with the passion and skill to succeed.

“We will be working closely with the Government, and key stakeholders, to drive forward a sector-led movement that delivers meaningful policy-level changes that leave a lasting impact on the lives and wellbeing of teachers, staff and pupils.”

The full Teacher Wellbeing Index 2018 is available on the Education Support Partnership website - http://www.educationsupportpartnership.org.uk/wellbeing-index

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