Monthly Archives: March 2026

The 2026 edition of the Education Mutual School Business Leader Wellbeing Index is now officially available to download, print, and share.

This updated edition brings together the latest insights, trends, and data surrounding the wellbeing of School Business Leaders across the maintained sector working in England and Wales.

Browse the new findings here.

A separate report focusing on the Multi‑Academy Trust version of the findings will follow in May/June 2026.

The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) and Education Mutual are delighted to announce that the Business Leader Roadshows are officially returning for 2026.

Education is changing fast and business leaders are at the heart of making change work. Whether you’re navigating funding pressures, grappling with new employment legislation, or wondering how AI will reshape your workload, this roadshow is built around what matters most to you.

Strategies and tools for immediate impact:

• A clear, up-to-date briefing on the policy changes shaping business leadership in England.
• Expert guidance on the Schools Support Staff Negotiating Body (SSSNB), pay, and the Employment Rights Bill.
• Practical strategies for strategic financial planning and funding resilience.
• Insights from Education Mutual’s School Business Leader Wellbeing Index and tools to strengthen your own wellbeing and grit.
• Dedicated reflection time for your personal growth and resilience.
• In conversation with Nathan Hines, former British and Irish Lions rugby player on leadership, performance mindset, and resilience under pressure.
• Networking and discussion time with fellow business leaders and policy specialists.

Two dates are available. Please click your preferred date to book your tickets:

Wednesday 24th June – Birmingham, England

Wednesday 1st July – Cardiff, Wales

Please note: the event in Cardiff on 1st July is tailored to the distinct policy landscape in Wales, with dedicated time on the Welsh Government’s pilot with ISBL for 2025-26, and a full update on the implications of the May Senedd elections.

Education Mutual is pleased to confirm that the 2026 edition of the School Business Leader Wellbeing Index (Maintained Schools Version) will be published on Tuesday 24th March 2026. Now in its fourth year, the Index continues to explore the changing wellbeing needs of School Business Leaders across England and Wales. This year’s report builds on previous findings, allowing comparisons that highlight emerging trends, shifting pressures, and the evolving nature of the SBL role.

The latest edition reveals several important developments within the sector. Notably, School Business Leaders reported:

• A continued rise in colleagues lacking understanding of the breadth and complexity of their role.
• New challenges relating to issues with parents and growing inspection‑related pressures, both of which are contributing to increased levels of stress and emotional strain.
• The escalating impact of managing provision for pupils with special educational needs, which many SBLs now describe as a demanding area of their role.

This year’s report also features valued contributions from sector organisations, including the SBL Support Hub, the Department for Education, and ISBL. The full report will be published via www.educationmutual.co.uk/ on launch day. A separate report focusing on the Multi‑Academy Trust version of the findings will follow in May/June 2026.