Education Mutual’s Kelly Potton shares insights from the latest School Business Leader Wellbeing Index and highlights top tips to ensure you and your staff keep well.

Effective wellbeing practices

The education sector faces unique challenges that heavily impact the wellbeing of school and college staff. ASCL partner, Education Mutual, has been at the forefront of tackling these issues, with initiatives like the School Business Leader (SBL) Wellbeing Index and comprehensive staff absence protection services (www.educationmutual.co.uk). These tools not only provide vital support but also empower education professionals to address the root causes of stress and absence.

The SBL Wellbeing Index is a crucial annual initiative by Education Mutual that delves into the mental health and wellbeing of school staff. Its findings provide insight into the pressures faced by educational professionals and help identify areas where support is most needed. Key findings from the 2025 report include:

WORKLOAD STRESS 

A striking 64% of school business leaders reported that excessive workloads negatively affect their mental health and wellbeing at work. This statistic underscores the urgent need for workload management strategies and better delegation systems.

FUNDING PRESSURES

More than 55% of respondents indicated that financial challenges and limited resources in schools are significant stressors. Insufficient budgets often mean additional tasks are placed on staff, leading to burnout.

UNPAID OVERTIME

Nearly half (43%) of participants admitted that working long, unpaid hours impacts their mental health. This reflects a culture of overcommitment that needs addressing through clearer boundaries and recognition of professional time.

STAFFING ISSUES 

Another 47% cited staffing shortages as a source of strain, resulting in more responsibilities for those remaining and diminishing their capacity to manage their workloads effectively.

The SBL Wellbeing Index not only highlights these pressing concerns but also provides recommendations for how school and college leaders, and individual staff members, can take steps towards improvement.

Steps to support wellbeing

There are practical measures that schools and colleges can implement to improve wellbeing and reduce absences. Drawing from our findings and expertise, here are five ways to take proactive steps:

1. CREATE A CULTURE OF OPEN COMMUNICATION 

Leaders should establish safe spaces for staff to share their concerns and seek help. Regular check-ins, peer support groups, and wellbeing surveys can foster a sense of community and reduce isolation.

2. TIME MANAGEMENT AND DELEGATION 

Encouraging staff to prioritise tasks and delegate responsibilities, when possible, can alleviate the stress of an overwhelming workload. Leaders should set realistic expectations and ensure that no one person bears the brunt of additional duties.

3. PROFESSIONAL BOUNDARIES

Leaders can implement policies that discourage unpaid overtime and promote work–life balance. Staff should be encouraged to set boundaries, take breaks, and use their annual leave effectively to recharge.

4. INVEST IN MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES 

Education Mutual provides access to a range of mental health services, including counselling and online support. These resources can be actively promoted to colleagues and help to normalise seeking help when needed (see more at www.educationmutual.co.uk/brochures).

5. TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

Professional development sessions focusing on resilience, stress management, and time management can empower staff to handle challenges more effectively.

Building resilience

In addition to suggesting broader organisational changes, the SBL Wellbeing Index offers the following individual-level advice for managing wellbeing:

MINDFULNESS PRACTICES

Incorporating mindfulness techniques, such as meditation or breathing exercises, can help reduce stress and improve focus during busy days

PHYSICAL HEALTH

Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep are foundational to mental wellbeing. Education Mutual’s health services can support staff in maintaining these habits.

SEEKING SUPPORT 

Whether through counselling, peer networks, or professional associations, connecting with others can provide perspective and alleviate feelings of isolation.

PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING

Engaging with education forums and communities can offer shared strategies, support, and encouragement, fostering a sense of solidarity in facing shared challenges.

Reducing financial stress and broader challenges

While Education Mutual focuses on practical solutions for schools and colleges, broader systemic issues also require attention. For example, ASCL continues to advocate for fair pay and funding within the education sector, and the association’s recommendations to the School Teachers' Review Body (STRB) include ensuring pay increases match inflation to prevent further erosion of the real-terms value of teacher and leader salaries (www.ascl.org.uk/STRB35Remit).

In addition, ASCL has called for the scope of the STRB and the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD) to be broadened to include those working in business leadership roles to ensure that they receive the recognition and remuneration for the crucial roles they hold and that support other school leaders to deliver their core functions.

ASCL also provided evidence on the disparity in pay and funding, which is a major issue for members working in the further education sector, and on the significant recruitment and retention challenges this creates.

Conclusion

Although pay and funding reforms are vital, addressing wellbeing requires both systemic change and immediate, localised actions. Schools and colleges can start by implementing the practical measures identified in Education Mutual’s SBL Wellbeing Index, while advocating for broader changes through professional bodies like ASCL.

The education sector faces significant challenges, but initiatives like the SBL Wellbeing Index and the comprehensive support offered by Education Mutual provide a roadmap for addressing these issues.

By focusing on proactive wellbeing strategies, creating supportive environments, and leveraging the resources available, schools and colleges can reduce absences and build resilient teams.

As the sector continues to evolve, a collective commitment to wellbeing will ensure that educational professionals can thrive and deliver the best outcomes for students.

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FIND OUT MORE

Education Mutual stands out as a member-owned organisation that reinvests its surplus funds back into the education sector. Its comprehensive staff absence protection is designed to minimise disruption and ensure that schools, colleges and trusts can manage absences without compromising on quality education.

CONTACT EDUCATION MUTUAL FOR A QUOTE:

T: 01623 287840
E: learnmore@educationmutual.co.uk
W: www.educationmutual.co.uk

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Empowering Business Leaders: Personal wellbeing and professional growth

BUSINESS LEADER ROADSHOWS:

ASCL’s new roadshows, co-created with Education Mutual, offer a unique platform to uncover strategies that enhance leadership effectiveness while prioritising mental, emotional, and physical health. Through a series of thoughtprovoking keynotes, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities, you can gain insights into how effective wellbeing practices can drive individual and organisational success.

CLICK THE FOLLOWING LINKS TO BOOK YOUR PLACE:

LONDON: 17 JUNE
www.ascl.org.uk/BLRLondon

CARDIFF: 24 JUNE
www.ascl.org.uk/BLRCardiff

LEEDS: 26 JUNE
www.ascl.org.uk/BLRLeeds

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Kelly Potton
Education Mutual Advocate Director
@EducationMutual

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