Stress soars as a third of school principals work more than 50 hours a week

Two out of 10 principals were found to be experiencing symptoms of severe stress when their responses were analysed using a scale to measure depression, anxiety, and stress. Picture: Danny Lawson/PA Wire

Three out of 10 primary school principals and deputy principals say they are working more than 50 hours a week, and many may be experiencing severe stress and anxiety.

The detail is included in a new study of more than 860 school leaders by researchers at Maynooth University on wellbeing in primary schools post-pandemic.