NEARLY half of school leaders say they needed mental health support in the past year, according to a survey published today.

A poll by the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) found that 72 per cent of leaders said their job had affected their mental health for the worse in the past year, up from 65 per cent the previous year.

NAHT general secretary Paul Whiteman said: “The poor wellbeing and mental health of school leaders is extremely worrying and should be a real cause for concern for the government.

“Leaders play an absolutely crucial role in shaping the direction of schools and inspiring teachers and pupils.

“But if they are stressed, overworked, and struggling with their mental health, with the best will in the world they are not going to be able to deliver to the best of their ability.

“It is little wonder that the profession loses many school leaders within a few years of their appointment, and that is a huge waste of talent and experience.”

The survey of 1,517 school leaders in England also found that 92 per cent said their job had affected their sleep in the past year, 83 per cent reported increased stress, and 61 per cent said the job had affected their physical health.

NAHT warned last year that primary school headteachers are increasingly leaving their roles within five years as they face demands that “are simply too much.”

The union is calling on the government to specify that school leaders should not be contacted during weekends or holidays, unless circumstances are exceptional, and to fund universal professional supervision.

It also found that 87 per cent of leaders said the time spent supporting staff with mental health issues had increased over the past three years.