Teacher confidence up but workloads still causing concerns

15 March, 2024

Challenging workloads remain one of the biggest issues confronting educators, even as many UK teachers report increased confidence in their abilities to teach our nation’s children, according to Tes’ latest Wellbeing Report. Over 6,500 responded to Tes’ annual survey making this report the most comprehensive yet, with some key themes emerging as teachers continue to operate under ever tightening budgets and scrutiny. 

Some of the standout findings from the report were:
•    Over 75% of respondents feel confident in their roles as educators and in their ability to educate the nation’s children.
•    There was an 11% increase to 37% in those with confidence in their school leadership. 
•    61% of respondents believe their workload is not manageable, rising to 78% of SENCO’s.
•    36% of respondents said their school has implemented time saving behaviour management software or practices, and 20% say their school uses timetabling software. 
•    58% believe their school makes a real effort to make everyone feel like part of a community.

Rod Williams, CEO of Tes, said;
“Though some existing challenges remain, there are real signs for optimism as leaders listen to their teachers, with many taking advantage of opportunities to change how they do things. It’s especially great to see an increase in staff being proud to work in their schools, and a big jump in professional positivity. The sense of community is compelling as teachers and leaders continue to do their best for their students.”

Another key insight was an increase in tools and technology being used by schools. This includes over a third of teachers saying their schools are implementing time saving behaviour management software or practices. There were also real-life examples such as streamlining staff meetings to try and alleviate the pressure on teaching staff. 

A fifth of respondents (up 5% from 2023) noted that their school had used timetabling software, helping enable more efficient scheduling to give time back to educators. There was also support in the shape of improved budget management practices such as budget management software which may have contributed to the boost in confidence. 

Although there are optimistic takeaways from the Tes Wellbeing Report 2024, 74% of teachers reported they’ve contemplated leaving the profession in the last year, and 78% of school leaders, citing issues with the education system more broadly, showing there is much more that needs to be done to address all the concerns of those at the forefront of education. 

Tes’ Chief Product Officer Julian McClung said: 
“Tes’ 2024 wellbeing report paints a complex picture, but one that is more positive than we would have considered even a year ago; though the numbers of those that have contemplated leaving the profession is high, we are encouraged that so many schools are adopting new working patterns and new technologies to try and relieve the administrative burden placed on teachers. Certainly, it is encouraging to see what impact Tes can have in this space, as we evolve more technologies to empower schools and enable great teaching.”

For more information on the Tes Wellbeing Report 2024, please visit: https://www.tes.com/en-gb/for-schools/content/tes-wellbeing-report