Mental Health Awareness Month: Supporting Teacher Wellbeing in UK Schools

Why Teacher Mental Health Matters More Than Ever

At Riley Personnel, we specialise in education recruitment across London and the UK, working daily with schools and education professionals. During Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to highlight a crucial topic that affects thousands of teachers and school staff: mental health and wellbeing in schools.

Teachers and teaching assistants are at the heart of the education system. They educate, support, and inspire young people—often while juggling long hours, growing workloads, and emotional demands. Yet, their own mental health is frequently overlooked.

Mental Health in UK Schools: The Reality

Recent research shows that over 70% of UK teachers have experienced stress, anxiety, or burnout. Many education workers report feeling unsupported, undervalued, and overwhelmed—especially in the wake of pandemic-related challenges and rising pupil needs.

As a leading teaching agency, we understand that happy, supported teachers create stronger, more resilient school communities. That's why teacher wellbeing is not just nice-to-have—it’s essential.

How Schools Can Support Teacher Wellbeing

If you’re a school leader or headteacher, here are key ways to promote better mental health among your staff:

1. Create a Positive School Culture

Encourage open conversations about mental health. Make sure staff know where to turn for support and that mental health is not a taboo topic.

2. Offer Wellbeing Resources

Provide access to counselling services, mental health training, or wellbeing-focused INSET days. Some schools are now appointing staff wellbeing leads—this small step can have a big impact.

3. Reduce Admin Pressure

Streamline processes to cut unnecessary admin. Reducing workload is one of the most direct ways to ease stress and prevent burnout.

4. Recognise Staff Achievements

Celebrate staff successes regularly. Recognition boosts morale and helps staff feel appreciated—something every team needs.

5. Encourage Work-Life Balance

Promote realistic expectations around out-of-hours work and offer flexible working where possible. Healthy boundaries are key.

What Riley Personnel Is Doing to Support Mental Health in Education

As a trusted partner in school recruitment, we take mental health seriously. Whether you’re a newly qualified teacher or a seasoned SEN specialist, we prioritise your wellbeing.

At Riley Personnel, we:

Check in regularly with our candidates to make sure they’re thriving.
Work with schools that value staff wellbeing.
Provide resources on mental health in education, managing classroom stress, and preventing burnout.

We believe every educator deserves a supportive environment—whether they’re working in mainstream schools or special education settings.

Are You Looking for a Supportive Teaching Role?

If you're a teacher, teaching assistant, or school leader looking for a new role where your wellbeing matters, Riley Personnel can help. As one of the UK’s top education recruitment agencies, we connect education professionals with schools that value and support their staff.