Staff wellbeing in education sector falls to lowest level since 2019

Staff wellbeing across the education sector has fallen to its lowest level since 2019, according to new research from Education Support, which has called for a government retention strategy centred on workforce wellbeing.

The charity’s ninth Teacher Wellbeing Index, which was released today (18 November), reports that education staff continue to record poorer wellbeing than the general population, with the overall score now at its lowest since tracking began. It warns that worsening conditions risk accelerating teacher departures and harming children’s education.

Among the findings, 76% of staff say they feel stressed and 36% are at risk of probable clinical depression. The report also notes that 77% experience symptoms of poor mental health linked to work.

School and college leaders remain the most affected group. The study finds that 86% of senior leaders feel stressed, with many reporting signs of burnout. Large majorities say they face excessive workloads, work at very high speed and meet tight deadlines for most of their week.

The report highlights wider pressures stemming from gaps in public services. Education staff continue to take on additional responsibilities, including providing emotional support, food and basic supplies for pupils. The charity argues that better-resourced services are needed to prevent schools and colleges from filling systemic gaps in support for young people.

One teacher described how financial hardship among pupils had expanded the role of school staff. He said: “I’ve arranged for donated football boots, organised lift-shares and even contacted local companies for support. Still, I carry a lot of guilt. I worry that my pupils won’t achieve the grades they could, simply because they can’t afford things like books.”

Another educator working in a special educational needs and disabilities college said: “There’s been a noticeable shift with more responsibilities and much more emotional support needed for students. I often feel more like a social worker than an educator.”

Concerns about workplace culture also persist, with 49% of staff saying their organisation’s culture harms their mental health. One community learning coordinator added: “Some departments are supportive of support staff, others not so much. That culture can trickle down and affect learners.”

Education Support said the findings underline the need for targeted investment in workforce wellbeing and stronger support structures across the sector.