More than a third of school leaders in England needed support for mental health or wellbeing issues in the last 12 months, a survey has found.

Ofsted pressures were the factor which had the greatest impact on mental health, according to a poll by the National Association of Headteachers (NAHT).

Paul Whiteman, the union’s general secretary, warned leaders could be forced out of teaching unless action is taken.

It comes after a coroner ruled an Ofsted inspection “likely contributed” to headteacher Ruth Perry’s death.

Mrs Perry took her own life after Ofsted downgraded her school in Reading from the highest rating to its lowest, citing safeguarding concerns.

Jobs affecting sleep

In the survey of 1,890 school leaders in England between September and October, 38% reported they had accessed professional support for their mental health in the last year.

Another 11% said they wanted support but did not know how to get it, or were unaware it was available.

Some 84% of those surveyed also said their job had affected their sleep in the last 12 months.

The report also found 51% of school leaders were considering leaving their job in the next three years for reasons other than retirement, with nearly nine-in-10 mentioning the impact of their role on their personal wellbeing as a factor.

Almost two-thirds (61%) of assistant and deputy heads surveyed said they did not aspire to become a headteacher – up from 53% in 2021.

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‘School leaders feel pushed to edge of despair’

Mr Whiteman 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.”

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The NAHT wants the government to make changes to its inspections, scrap single-word Ofsted judgements and take action to tackle teacher workloads.

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 £1.1m, 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.”

For mental health support, contact the Samaritans on 116 123, email them at [email protected], or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.

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