Why educator wellbeing must be a priority 

Mental Health Awareness Week offers a timely opportunity for schools and trusts to reflect on the wellbeing of those at the heart of education. Education is a sector rooted in care and commitment, yet for many educators the emotional demands of the role can take a toll on their mental health. 

A growing wellbeing challenge 

Our recent research into educator retention highlights a clear pattern; high workloads, limited progression opportunities, and inconsistent recognition are leaving many educators feeling overstretched and undervalued. 

Over time these pressures can compound and contribute to stress, reduced morale, and burnout. The Department for Education’s workforce data shows a steady rise in sickness absence among teachers, reinforcing the link between workplace pressure and health outcomes. 

When we asked over 700 educators directly about the impact of their roles on their health, the findings were stark. Half of all educators surveyed said their mental health had been negatively affected by their job. 

These findings align with national data. Education Support’s Teacher Wellbeing Index 2024 found that 77% of education staff experienced symptoms of poor mental health due to their work. 

Investing in those who invest in others 

Educators give so much of themselves to support young people’s learning and development, so this Mental Health Awareness Week should serve as a reminder that their wellbeing deserves the same care and attention. 

With half of educators already reporting an impact on their mental health, the question is no longer whether action is needed, but how quickly and thoughtfully it is taken. By addressing workload, recognition and support at a systemic level, schools can help ensure that educators are not just coping, but able to thrive in the roles they are passionate about. 

We urge school leaders to encourage empathetic conversations about mental wellbeing with your educators and look into the practical steps you could take to move your school’s policies beyond awareness and towards action. 

For data-led recommendations on what your school could do to support educator mental health and other factors impacting retention, reach out to get your free copy of our new research report, Driving Change in Educator Retention.