Workload for teachers during summer increases

Research from charity Education Support Partnership has discovered that the number of days teachers expect to work over the holidays has increased from six days five years ago to an expected eight days this year.

What's more, fifty-three per cent of teachers worry to a ‘large extent’ about the amount of preparation needed for the next academic year during the summer holidays.

For headteachers, deputies and senior leaders the situation is worse with days worked over the holidays increasing from nine days five years ago to an expected eleven days this year.

Over 43% of the 811 teacher asked also stated that they find it increasingly difficult to ‘switch off from work’ during the holidays.

When teachers were asked what it is that was causing them stress and anxiety during the period, 68 per cent said student performance and pending exam results. 65 per cent stated a lack of autonomy and control over their role, and 60 per cent highlighted financial worries. 54 per cent said they would worry about their health and 47 per cent stated having positive professional relationships with colleagues. 46 per cent said they had concerns over job security.

Positively, 73 per cent of teachers stated that they intend to proactively try and look after their health and wellbeing over the summer holiday.

In response to the survey findings, Julian Stanley, CEO at Education Support Partnership, said: "Our findings indicate there is a growing trend towards teachers experiencing work-related stress and anxiety over the summer break. This is a period when teachers should predominately be focused on detaching themselves from their role and focusing on their own individual health and wellbeing.

"Failure to do so runs the risk of burnout in the next the academic year, which seriously impacts on their ability to meet the needs of pupils and ensure we have a thriving education system.

"Education Support Partnership is encouraging all teachers and education staff to follow a series of activities this summer, which are proven to improve their wellbeing. We will also continue run our 24/7 free emotional support helpline and financial grants service throughout the break, which we encourage teachers to use at the earliest sign of concern."