Spotlight on principal stresses

Recruiting and retention of secondary school principals is getting harder with stress being one of the factors as to why many leave the job.

That’s according to new research published on Tuesday by the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD).

The research, conducted among 266 participants consisting of 150 principals and 106 deputy principals, analysed the challenges faced by secondary school leaders and the supports required to carry out their roles.

According to the research, 48 per cent of principals and deputy principals experience 'a lot' of stress, 39 per cent experience moderate stress, while a further 13 per cent cite 'a little' stress.

In addition, the research suggests that school leaders’ wellbeing increases year-on-year until they have been in the same role for ten years, at which point it plummets.

Among the biggest sources of stress for principals and deputy principals are dealing with people and cultivating positive professional relationships at 44 per cent. Other sources of stress include oversight of plant management, external agency engagement and administrative responsibilities.

The research found that the three most stressful responsibilities are managing employee relations, new teacher and substitute teacher appointments, and financial management.

Clive Byrne, Director of the NAPD, said: “The role of a modern principal is akin to running a complex business, and school leaders are looking for support. They are navigating rapidly growing student populations and evolving student and staff needs without the required parallel Government investment or supports.”

He added: “This issue of recruitment and retention of school leaders is only going to become more acute in the years ahead.

“It’s critical that we look to address the causes of this stress and identify potential solutions and supports, including increased administrative support, training, and skills enhancement, that can help ease the burden on our school leaders and ensure the position continues to attract the best talent and expertise into the future.”