School principals suffer from 'stress and burnout' due to high demands of role, new study finds

More than a quarter (28%) of the principals described their mental health as 'poor' or 'very poor', with nearly one-third of these leaders stating this has negatively impacted their ability to lead their schools. 

Burnout and exhaustion is rife amongst school principals new research suggests, as it finds many are working upwards of 50 hours weekly. 

New research from Dublin City University (DCU) has found more than four in five (86%) principals are experiencing moderate to high levels of work-related burnout. 

More than half (56%) of the principals surveyed reported working more than 50 hours each week. Almost a tenth of the principals surveyed reported working more than 65 hours a week. 

More than a quarter (28%) of the principals described their mental health as "poor" or "very poor", with nearly one-third of these leaders stating this has negatively impacted their ability to lead their schools. 

The study by the DCU Centre for Collaborative Research Across Teacher Education also found: 

• Almost 70% of principals reported being unable to avail of their annual leave entitlements; 
• 95% of principals identified both general workload and unrealistic expectations from the Department of Education as primary contributors to their burnout;
• A further 78% of school leaders cited the challenges in leading special education needs provision as a significant factor in their declining wellbeing.

The report also highlights concerns about existing mental health support structures. More than 80% of the principals who took part in the study found the current state mental health support services for educators to be "poor" or "very poor". 

A further 71% cited inadequate resources and unrealistic parental expectations as major stressors.

"Leading a school is a highly relational and emotionally demanding role which places principals at increased risk of stress and burnout," said Dr Sabrina Fitzsimons, co-author of the report. 

"The data suggests a potential sustainability crisis, with almost one-third of principals self-reporting poor or very poor mental health, while one in 10 principals indicated they were ‘extremely unlikely’ to continue in their role over the coming year." 

A significant challenge has emerged for principals in recent years due to the lack of a clear remit and job specification, added Professor Catherine Furlong, co-author of the report. 

"In turn, what we’ve seen is they are wearing many hats; everything from HR functions and people management, to teaching, organising maintenance of the school grounds, engaging with external agencies, managing tenders — the list of escalating tasks goes on." 

She added: "The significance of this is that it cascades into every aspect of the school day and beyond, pulling school leaders away from their central role of leading teaching and learning." 

Dr Damien Burke, co-author of the report, said: "Ireland is fortunate to have such a committed and skilled principal community — our research shows that despite this undeniable professional commitment, many of those in the role are paying too high a personal price for this dedication."