The amount of time teachers expect to spend working during the summer holiday has increased by a third over the past five years, a new study has found.
The findings about teacher health and wellbeing over the break have sparked warnings about teachers burning out during the following academic year.
A YouGov survey of 811 teachers, commissioned by the Education Support Partnership, showed that more than half worry to a “large extent” about the amount of preparation needed for the next academic year.
The research found that teachers expect to work eight days over the current summer holiday, compared to six days five years ago.
And for heads, deputies and senior leaders, the number rose from nine days to 11 over the same period.
Victoria Hewett, a teacher, blogger and author, said that during her first few years of teaching, she was “exhausted by October half term” and did not always want to go back to school.
She added: “I started experiencing dizziness and vertigo which almost led me to passing out in front of a class and several visits to the GP and hospital.
“By my fourth year, I’d fallen into a state of depression, which I hadn’t realised at the time. When the summer did arrive, I spent it catching up on unfinished work and preparing for the following September rather than taking time out to relax and recuperate.”
More than 43 per cent of teacher said they were finding it increasingly difficult to switch off from work during the holidays, compared to 40 per cent who said it was easy.
And 54 per cent said it switching off had become harder since they started teaching, with only 21 per cent saying it had become easier.
Asked when caused them stress and anxiety during the period:
- 68 per cent said student performance and pending exam results
- 65 per cent stated a lack of autonomy and control over their role
- 60 per cent highlighted financial worries
- 54 per cent said they would worry about their health
- 47 per cent stated having positive professional relationships with colleagues
- 46 per cent cited concerns over job security
A total of 73 per cent of teachers said that they intend to proactively try to look after their health and wellbeing over the summer holiday.
The charity’s chief executive, Julian Stanley, said the findings indicated a “growing trend towards teachers experiencing work-related stress and anxiety over the summer break”.
He added: “This is a period when teachers should predominately be focused on detaching themselves from their role and focusing on their own individual health and wellbeing.
“Failure to do so runs the risk of burnout in the next the academic year, which seriously impacts on their ability to meet the needs of pupils and ensure we have a thriving education system.”
A DfE spokesperson said: “The education secretary has been clear that there can be no great schools without great teachers and we have committed to tackling issues that could affect teacher’s mental health and wellbeing.
“We are working with the profession, unions and Ofsted to strip away workload that doesn’t add value, improve conditions and offer all teachers high-quality professional development.”
The Education Support Partnership provides a free and confidential 24/7 helpline for everyone working in education on 08000 562 561.
