A crisis in school leadership

Leadership is a critical part of the investment formula for our schools

Sir, – Carl O’Brien’s predictions on the issues that will dominate education in 2023 (Education, January 3rd) are fairly spot on and there is no doubt that curriculum clashes and battles over resources will ensue and make for a busy year ahead. However, he makes no reference to the issue of unsustainable school leadership which has been gaining momentum in the past number of years and now reaching crisis point.

The education system relies heavily on school leaders to implement change and mandated reform, at both school and system levels. Yet many principals experience only a one-way flow of responsibility and accountability, and feel decisions are being made without their input and without considering their workload or wellbeing.

The role of school principal used to be one of the most sought-after jobs in education. But many schools nowadays are struggling to attract applicants for the role. A recent study commissioned by the National Association for Principals & Deputy Principals (NAPD) and the Irish Primary Principals’ Network (IPPN) provides stark insights regarding the wellbeing and health of principals and deputy principals. Two in three second-level principals and deputy principals are experiencing burnout due to stress, according to the survey. At 64 per cent, the figure is well ahead of the 34 per cent found in the general healthy working population. As many as two in five (39 per cent) were diagnosed with stress-related medical conditions in 2022. A further 61 per cent of NAPD members said they believed the current working conditions make the job of principal unsustainable.

In a survey by the National Principals’ Forum, 84 per cent of teaching principals surveyed had considered stepping down from their position. Some 70 per cent of principals reported mental health issues as a direct result of their job.

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Through an IPPN member survey, to which over 1,000 school leaders responded, 97 per cent of the respondents report that the key issue that undermines the sustainability of their leadership role is the number of tasks and responsibilities they have to undertake that have little or nothing to do with their core purpose.

Many principals decry a completely skewed focus on tasks relating to administration and managing the organisation but a significantly lesser focus on tasks and responsibilities in the area of leading teaching and learning, which is central to the core purpose of school leadership. The Minister for Education and her department have adopted a “head in the sand” mentality regarding the issue. What is even more baffling is how she thinks she is going to get the big-ticket items like curricular reform across the line without strong, sustainable and supported school leadership. School leadership is a critical part of the investment formula for our schools. The Minister would do well to remember this and act quickly. – Yours, etc,

JOHN McHUGH,

Principal,

Ardscoil Rís,

Dublin 9.