MORE than three in four teachers feel stressed with the overall well-being of Britain’s education staff at its lowest level since 2019, an annual survey has revealed.

Education Support’s Teacher Wellbeing Index found 36 per cent are at risk of probable clinical depression and 77 per cent experience symptoms of poor mental health due to work.

More than one in three have experienced a mental health issue in the past academic year, the YouGov polling found.

School and college leaders were most at risk, with 86 per cent of senior leaders reporting high stress amid a growing demand for teachers to fill gaps in social, emotional and practical support for young people.

The charity’s chief executive Sinead McBrearty said that its survey, published today, reveals the “intolerable pressure” being placed on education staff and “should serve as a wake-up call to government.”

She urged ministers to introduce a national retention strategy that puts staff well-being at its core, warning: “Without this, more teachers will leave the profession, and more children and young people’s education will suffer.”

National Education Union general secretary Daniel Kebede said: “Teachers and school leaders are overworked, under-supported, and increasingly exposed to stress, anxiety and burnout.

“No wonder there is a significant retention issue in the education workforce.

“This is a system in crisis. Teacher well-being must be a workforce priority.

“Union representatives should be involved in monitoring workload and well-being, and schools need adequate funding and staffing.

“It’s time to redefine teacher support, ensure proper funding, and protect teachers from stress and burnout.”

The Department for Education was contacted for comment.