‘Poisonous cocktail of pressures’ on headteachers as school leaders seek help for mental health

National Association of Head Teachers poll comes following death of headteacher Ruth Perry, as coroner concluded Ofsted inspection “likely contributed” to her suicide

NAHT survey found 51% school leaders said they are considering leaving the profession within the next three years (PA Wire)

A headteacher has described a “poisonous cocktail of pressures” on school leaders, as a poll found nearly half of all principals in England sought mental health support last year.

The survey by the NAHT school leaders’ union found pressures from Ofsted inspections had the greatest impact on the mental health and wellbeing of school leaders.

Sean Maher, Headmaster of Richard Challon school in Surrey, spoke to The Independent about the pressures of leading a school.

He said: “While the job of being a headteacher is absolutely joyful when you’re working with staff and pupils - it is probably the best job in the world because you can affect change on day to day basis.”

Sean Maher, Headmaster of Richard Challon school in Surrey (Supplied)

“Right now there is such a poisonous cocktail of pressures on headteachers that I think it’s a job that is not possible to do anymore in its full degree.

“There are significant funding issues around education and this has put headteachers backs against the wall for the last ten to 12 years. We are forced to make decisions that are fundamentally not in the best interest for children but are forced to do to balance the books. 

“Often that means cutting staff, provision and curriculum. That is just awful - all the good were are tying to do is being undermined.”

Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the NAHT, warned school leaders will leave the profession for their own health unless action is taken, and the NAHT is calling on the Government to reform inspection and accountability measures, following the death of headteacher Ruth Perry.

Ruth Perry killed herself after an Ofsted report downgraded her Caversham Primary School in Reading from its highest rating to its lowest over safeguarding concerns (University of Reading/PA) ((University of Reading/PA))

Last week a coroner concluded that an Ofsted inspection “likely contributed” to her death, after the schools watchdog downgraded her Caversham Primary School in Reading from its highest rating to its lowest over safeguarding concerns.

“Ofsted has lost the respect of the profession. It is inconsistent and the new framework expects unrealistic standards from schools,” Mr Mahar added.

“I have never felt more so much anxiety, stress and worry in my life than over the three days of Ofsted inspection at my school. You are under so much pressure to not make any mistakes - I have never felt so physically ill in my life.

“As a headteacher you invest so much into the community - if your Ofsted grade slips it will have a fundamental impact on the standing of the school.”

The NAHT survey of 1,890 school leaders in England, found 38% reported they had accessed professional support for their mental health in the last year, and a further 11% said they wanted profession support but didn’t know how to or it was unavailable to them.

More than eight in ten (84%) school leaders said their role had impacted the quality of their sleep in the last 12 months.

Mr Mahar told The Independent he had to visit his GP several times due to issues with his mental health and wellbeing after he “hit a wall”. He was prescribed with medication to help with his stress, and was also ordered by his doctor to take time off work because the pressure was “just too much”.

The survey also found half of the school leaders surveyed (51%) said they are considering leaving the profession within the next three years for reasons other than retirement – and nearly nine in ten (88%) cited the impact of the role on their personal wellbeing as a factor. 

Paul Whiteman, chair of NAHT, said: “These dire findings paint a really bleak picture of the unacceptable toll school leadership is taking on our members and their mental health and wellbeing.

“Parents and carers will no doubt be equally alarmed that school leaders are being left seeking support with their mental health, feeling worried, stressed and unvalued, struggling to sleep, and considering quitting the profession.

“Reluctance to take on the role of headteacher is now an established and rising trend which will inevitably impact the wider school eco-system and, ultimately, children’s education.

“We regularly hear from school leaders who feel pushed to the edge of despair. Without decisive action, I fear these dedicated educators will be forced to leave the profession for their own health, leaving more children without the inspirational leaders and teachers they need.”

A Department for Education (DfE) spokeswoman said: “We recognise the extraordinary service that headteachers, teachers and other school staff provide and are taking action to reduce the pressures on them where we can.

“We have doubled our mental health and wellbeing scheme for school leaders this year, backed by £1.1 million, and have launched the education staff wellbeing charter to help schools to prioritise staff wellbeing.

“Earlier this year Ofsted announced a number of changes to the way it inspects schools, taking into account the impact school inspections can have on teachers.”