Over 20 per cent of staff in private schools are so stressed by work they have gone to the doctors – ATL survey

16 November 2007

Twenty-one per cent of staff working in independent schools have visited their doctor over work-related stress, according to a survey by the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL). 

Over ten per cent have taken time off work due to stress, and just under half – 47 per cent – of staff said they were stressed by their workload. 

These are some of the key findings of an ATL survey, carried out in October and November, of over 770 independent staff working in day and boarding schools in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. 

The high levels of stress among independent school staff are unsurprising since over 60 per cent admit to regularly working more than 48 hours a week, with many boarding school staff reporting they work up to 100 hours a week. 

ATL’s head of legal and member services, Martin Pilkington, said:  “It is shocking that so many teachers have had to go to their GP because of stress from work.  Our members are dedicated professionals who are sacrificing their own well-being for the benefit of their pupils and school.  Many are working themselves sick.  This is not acceptable.  Schools have a moral and legal obligation to protect the health and well-being of their staff, and this survey should give them serious cause for alarm.  We call on schools to act upon the findings and end the culture of over-work.”

An ATL member working in a private school in the South East said:  “I do work very long hours, and have round the clock responsibility (as I run a boarding house), but it is a job I chose to do.  It does have a huge impact, and in fact I was quite ill last year, probably related to extreme tiredness, but I am very happy here.”

A private school teacher in Nottinghamshire said:  “I am regularly working 52 hours each week during term.  Occasionally this will increase to 60 hours if there are additional school duties to perform.  If there is a weekend activity this may increase to 80+ hours. These hours do not include marking that is done at home.  Each week I have about 10 hours of marking, most of which I try to complete during lunch time.”

It is deeply worrying that 92 per cent of independent school staff say they are not being paid for any extra hours they work over those in their contract.  The after school clubs, school plays, trips, and sports fixtures seem to be being run on the good will and dedication of teachers who passionately care about their students at the expense of their own workloads, health, family relationships and social life.

A boarding house parent at a private school in the North West said:  “I have been housemastering since 1994 and I still love the job.  But the hours can be horrendous, and that can take a toll on an individual and his/her family and friendships.  After an 85 hour stint spread over only 5 days I am often exhausted.  If something crops up then I might have to work longer hours.  There is no overtime paid and no time off in lieu.”

Mo Brown, who teaches at The Chorister School Durham, said:  “I love my job.  Yes, the holidays are good, but in term-time the hours - length of school day plus evening marking and preparation, fortnightly evening duties, weekend duties in the boarding house, and regular social evenings/parents evenings and open mornings are very demanding.  During term time there is nothing in my life except school.  My husband says that in the holidays he 'gets his wife back!'”

Martin Pilkington said:  “Independent schools cannot continue to try to wriggle round employment law and the working time directive.  Last month Malvern College settled an employment tribunal case and paid an ATL member, who worked over 120 hours a week, £12,000 because her pay was less than the minimum wage when her hours on-call were added to her day time hours making.  We will vigorously pursue any similar cases that come to light to protect the interests of staff, and ultimately their pupils.”

ATL is holding a one day conference today (17 November) in London for those working in independent schools to discuss employment law and good practice for those working in private schools. 

To help staff working in independent schools ATL has produced a publication – The ATL guide to working in the independent sector – which is packed with advice about employment contracts and law, and worklife balance.

For further information please contact the ATL press office on 0207 782 1589 or visit our website www.atl.org.uk.