The survey reveals leaders are torn between leading teaching and learning, and supporting wellbeing and inclusion.
A new survey from the University of Nottingham reveals what it is like to be a school leader in the UK today.
The Sustainable School Leadership survey, conducted between November 2024 and February 2025, surveyed 1,624 school leaders across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Taking in responses from head teachers, deputy and assistant heads, middle leaders, executive leaders and business managers, the findings demonstrate the realities of leading schools in the ‘new normal’ of post-pandemic times.
The impact of COVID-19
An overwhelming majority of leaders agree that their roles have become much more challenging since the pandemic. COVID-19’s after-effects continue to have an impact in schools, with leaders reporting increased special educational needs, alongside rising mental health concerns for staff and students. A higher number of complaints from parents also contribute to a more stressful environment.
Pressure points
School leadership experiences vary across the regions. Leaders in Scotland report the most challenging conditions, with nearly 30% describing themselves as “mostly” or “sometimes sinking” compared to around 20% in England and Northern Ireland.
Additionally, while SEND and inclusion challenges drain leaders in England and Scotland (affecting nearly 60% of headteachers), this does not affect leaders to the same extent in Northern Ireland.
Scottish head teachers say they particularly struggle with behaviour challenges but their Northern Irish counterparts are more burdened by administrative tasks.
What drains and what sustains
The survey revealed there are five key factors that consistently drain school leaders:
- poor work-life balance
- the weight of leadership responsibility
- financial constraints
- staffing issues
- SEND challenges.
Despite these issues, the survey also reveals what keeps leaders going. The most powerful sustaining factors are relationships with students and witnessing their growth, collaboration with colleagues, and a sense of moral purpose in making a difference.
This study is part of wider UK research and claims to be the first comprehensive comparison of school leadership experiences across different contexts and roles.
The final report, which will include recommendations for policy and practice, will be published in 2026. For more information, see www.sustainableschoolleadership.uk
References
- University of Nottingham (2025) ‘Sustainable School Leadership: UK survey report’ Available at: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/research/groups/crelm/documents/sustainable-school-leadership.pdf (Accessed: 16 September 2025)
