Headteacher Wellbeing Report 2023

Each year we publish a ‘state-of-the-nation’ report summarising the issues that are causing the most stress and anxiety for headteachers.

We know we speak on behalf of the profession because the report is based on the many calls we receive from headteachers throughout the year.

It makes for sobering reading. 

Not surprisingly, things are not getting better, even though heads have recently led their schools through an unprecedented pandemic.  

In the report we identify a number of stressors that are currently impacting negatively on the system. These include burnout, moral injury, recruitment, workload (small schools especially), budget, and of course, the ubiquitous Ofsted and it’s pernicious approach to unintelligent accountability. 

We also make 7 recommendations that we feel will improve the workload and wellbeing of school leaders across the sector.

We want all headteachers, CEOs, trustees, and chairs of governors to share and discuss the report widely. You might even want to send a copy to your local MP. 

We at Headrest will be sharing it with union leaders, think-tanks, the press, pressure groups, roundtables, and with ministers in Parliament. We urge you to do the same. 

Download our latest report below.