ASCL is increasingly concerned about the significant pressures on school and college leaders and the impact on their mental health and wellbeing.
One of our 'asks for education' is the development of a government-led wellbeing strategy to support the education workforce. We are calling for policymakers to work with sector bodies and wellbeing experts to develop such a strategy.
The purpose of this page is to help address immediate needs by signposting members to support, resources and information.
We would encourage any members who are experiencing wellbeing issues to seek help urgently. You are not alone and help is available.
ASCL hotline for ASCL members
The ASCL hotline team provide impartial and confidential support and guidance to members on any issue affecting their employment or on matters arising in their role as a school, college, or trust leader.
Hotline is available Monday to Friday throughout the year other than during bank holidays and between Christmas and New Year. At times when hotline is closed, a voicemail message can be left, and we will call you back when our offices reopen.
You can call the ASCL hotline on 0116 299 1122.
Connection with others
Wellbeing isn't only about individual resilience, it's also about connection. For some leaders, particularly those from underrepresented groups or with protected characteristics, having a space to share experiences with others who understand the specific pressures they face can be as valuable as formal support. The ASCL Professional Leadership Communities, including the Women Leaders' Community, Ethnic Diversity Community, LGBTQIA+ Leaders' Community, and Neuroinclusive Leaders' Community, offer a confidential, peer-led space to connect, share practice, and find support from others.
Education Support
ASCL works closely with Education Support, a charity dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of teachers and education staff in schools, colleges and universities. It offers immediate, confidential support including advice, counselling or coaching.
You can contact Education Support on 08000 562 561.
Education Support also provides resources for individuals and organisations on a wide range of wellbeing issues.
Other useful links:
Headrest: a wellbeing telephone support service for headteachers.
The Helpline Hub: approved members of Helplines Partnership providing trusted support through various channels. Search by keyword, topic, or location.
The Samaritans: available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, via the free phone number 116 123.
The NHS: Where to get urgent help for mental health
The NHS: Help for suicidal thoughts
The Anna Freud charity provides guidance on supporting staff wellbeing in schools.
Education staff wellbeing charter: a declaration of support for staff wellbeing published by the Department for Education and supported by a range of education organisations. It also includes links to resources and information.
Workplace wellbeing tool: helps employers work out the costs of poor employee health, provided by the Department for work and Pensions
From our blog
Work-Life Balance: The freedom and constraint paradox by Chris Ingate
Making School Leadership More Than Just a Sisyphean Struggle by Chris Ingate
The Workforce Conversation Has Changed by Kathryn Morgan