The National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD) is calling on the Department of Education to recognise the great service school leaders offer their school communities and for action to alleviate their immense stress and workload.
The call comes following research which revealed that two thirds of school leaders are experiencing burnout due to stress in 2022. 39% of primary and post-primary school leaders were diagnosed with stress related medical conditions in 2022. 40% of school leaders reported requiring prescription medication in 2022 compared with 18% in 2015. The survey indicates school leaders are working on average 53 hours per week over the full year. 30% of school leaders state administration is taking up most of their time
The NAPD has encouraged Principals and Deputies to prioritise their own wellbeing this summer. The three year study surveyed primary and post-primary school leaders and was conducted on behalf of the NAPD and the Irish Primary Principals Network (IPPN). School leaders cited the sheer quantity of work they undertook, the lack of time spent on teaching and learning, and teacher shortages as the main sources of stress in the workplace.
