Headteachers experienced a substantial increase in work-related anxiety during the pandemic which could affect the recruitment and retention of senior leaders, says a new study published by UCL researchers.
The working paper gathered evidence from 13,000 classroom teachers and headteachers in England between October 2019 and July 2022. The research is part of a wider Nuffield Foundation funded project examining the health of teachers in England over the past 25 years and funded by Nuffield Foundation.
The research reveals that during the pandemic, the proportion of headteachers feeling work-related anxiety increased from 25% to 35% in England. By January 2021, this number had risen to 65%, compared to 42% of class teachers experiencing similar levels of stress. The report also notes that the desire to take up the position of headteacher is also declining.
On top of rising levels of anxiety, headteachers reported higher working hours, putting in 20 hours more per week than class teachers during the first lockdown and 10 hours more per week during the rest of the pandemic.
While the effects of the pandemic on teaching and working patterns contributed to increasing anxiety among teachers, the researchers highlighted that anxiety levels varied, with women, for example, facing higher levels of anxiety about work than men.
By tracking anxiety levels, this research provides an important new perspective on the immediate and longer-term impact of Covid on the school workforce. The heightened pressures faced by school leaders and the declining appetite for headship among deputy and assistant heads highlight the need for better support to shore up sustainable leadership.Dr Emily Tanner, Programme Head at the Nuffield Foundation
Study co-author Professor John Jerrim (UCL Social Research Institute based at IOE, UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society) said: “The COVID-19 pandemic led to one of the biggest shocks the world has ever seen – with schools closed and disruption to working patterns and conditions. Coupled with ever-changing government policy around schools, it’s unsurprising that the pandemic had a major impact on staff across the sector.
“However, the differences in levels of anxiety are quite shocking, and the additional strain that was put on headteachers in particular is clear. It’s vital that the government now reflect on guidance and support given to school leaders during difficult periods, with greater attention paid on ensuring that schools can recruit and retain the best headteachers in future.”
