Is the independent school sector on the verge of a staffing crisis?

New research¹ from specialist education insurer Ecclesiastical has revealed the independent school sector is on the verge of a staffing crisis as two thirds (68%) of independent school leaders have seriously considered leaving the education sector.

The survey of 250 UK independent school leaders discovered two-thirds (65%) of independent schools are more concerned about staff recruitment and retention than ever before.

Of those surveyed, 62% reported their school is struggling to retain staff and 61% said their school is struggling to recruit staff.

Independent schools are facing an increase in staff mental health issues. Half of independent schools have seen an increase in teacher anxiety (48%) and stress (47%) during the past 12 months. Two in five (40%) have also reported an increase in teacher depression.

Ecclesiastical’s research found the top contributing factors to teacher mental health challenges are financial pressures (38%), increased workloads (32%), the pressure to deliver good results (30%), and taking more work home (30%).

While independent schools have seen an increase in teacher mental health concerns, the survey discovered seven in ten (70%) independent schools are currently providing mental health support for their teachers.

Last year², a National Association of Head Teachers survey found 38% of school leaders had reported they had accessed professional support for their mental health, and 11% said they wanted professional support but didn’t know how to or if it was unavailable to them.

Laura Carter, Customer Segment Director at Ecclesiastical Insurance, said: “As one of the leading insurers of independent schools in the UK, Ecclesiastical is passionate about supporting the independent education sector. Financial pressures are putting teachers under strain and exacerbating mental health issues in the sector. Retention of staff is a key concern for independent schools and our research has found two-thirds of independent school leaders have seriously considered leaving the sector. Having mental health support in place for teachers is vital and it’s encouraging to see seven in ten schools making this provision for their staff. We encourage independent schools to think about the risks they may face and how best to protect their organisations for the future.”

Ecclesiastical Insurance’s Independent Schools Risk Barometer 2024 explores the top risks within the education sector and focuses on key areas of concern including pupil and teacher mental health and safeguarding. It is the latest in a series of sector insights from Ecclesiastical Insurance, combining independent research with specialist knowledge from the insurer.

Ecclesiastical Insurance offers a range of risk management support and guidance to help independent schools manage the risks they face. 

¹ The survey was commissioned by Ecclesiastical Insurance and conducted by OnePoll with 250 UK independent school leaders (including bursars, head teachers, deputy head teachers, heads of departments) 8 to 14 February 2024.

² Nearly half of school leaders needed professional help with mental health | The Independent