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.
