A summary of the 'Working Lives of Teachers and Leaders - Wave 2 Report'

Our summary of the "Working Lives of Teachers and Leaders: Wave 2" report. The research was carried out during a period of industrial action and cost-of-living challenges, and paints a detailed picture of workload, wellbeing, pay satisfaction, and future career intentions within the education sector.

Workload

• Leaders report working an average of 57.4 hours per week, while full-time teachers report 52.4 hours.
• 54% of teachers and leaders find their workload unacceptable, though there has been a slight improvement from 2022.
• A significant percentage of teachers (75%) and leaders (61%) spend excessive time on administrative tasks, detracting from teaching and strategic leadership.

Wellbeing and Mental Health

• 88% of teachers and leaders experience work-related stress, and 63% report negative impacts on mental health.
• The survey indicates a worsening trend in wellbeing, with 73% of respondents saying their job leaves insufficient time for personal life.

Teacher and Leader Pay

• 69% of respondents are dissatisfied with their salary, with many feeling that pay progression does not fairly reflect their growing expertise.
• Leaders are generally more satisfied with their pay compared to classroom teachers, but dissatisfaction remains across both groups.

Retention

• A concerning 36% of teachers and leaders are considering leaving the sector within the next 12 months, an increase from 25% in 2022.
• High workload, stress, and dissatisfaction with pay are the leading reasons for considering leaving.
• However, 88% of those who considered leaving in 2022 ultimately stayed, citing their enjoyment of teaching and desire for job stability.

Flexible Working

• Flexible working arrangements increased slightly to 46% in 2023, but 56% of respondents feel that flexible working is incompatible with a teaching career.
• Confidence in requesting flexible working remains low, with 64% of respondents hesitant to make such requests.

Continuing Professional Development

• Nearly all teachers and leaders (98%) participated in CPD, but 64% feel confident in progressing to the next level in their career.
• However, workload concerns remain a significant barrier to career progression.

In our view, this report confirms what teachers and leaders have been saying for years: most stay committed despite the pressures. We hope the data is acted on, with real action on workload, wellbeing and career progression.