Author Archives: Ellie Rischer

Thank you to everyone who took the time to participate in our recent survey, contributing to the development of our annual report – The School Business Leader Wellbeing Index 2026. Your insights and experiences are important in helping us understand the current realities of working life across a wide range of roles—including School Business Leaders, CEOs, CFOs, Operations and Finance Managers, Facilities Managers, Administrative staff, and HR professionals.

The survey is now closed, and we are currently reviewing all responses to build a comprehensive picture of the challenges and pressures faced in these vital positions. The findings will be published in March 2026, and we hope they will serve for meaningful sector change.

It’s encouraging to see so many professionals across England and Wales engaging in open conversations about their mental health. By speaking up, you are helping to break down stigma and create a culture where wellbeing is prioritised alongside performance. These conversations are not just important—they are essential. They allow us to advocate for better support services, inform policy, and ultimately foster more sustainable working environments for everyone in education leadership and support roles.

Education Mutual is now inviting entries for the School Business Leader Wellbeing Index 2026. This annual survey invites education professionals across England and Wales to contribute their perspectives on mental health and wellbeing within their roles.

Whether you’re a School Business Leader, CEO, CFO, Operations or Finance Manager, Facilities Manager, Administrative staff or HR professional, we’d love to hear your honest views on the current state of your mental health and wellbeing in your working role.

In the most recent edition of the report, there had been a significant rise in concerns around SEND provision and a growing demand for flexible working arrangements. Now, we want to know – Are things still the same? How are YOU feeling? Your input will help spotlight what matters most to school business leaders and allow Education Mutual to advocate for improvements that reflect the real experiences of those working behind the scenes.

The Details:

– 🗓️ The survey is live and awaiting your participation via online1.snapsurveys.com/EMSBLWI2026

– 🕐 Takes just 5–10 minutes to complete. You have until 11pm on Friday 10^th October 2025 to share your thoughts and feelings.

– 🎁 Participants are entered into a draw to win 1 x £100 Amazon voucher*

Your insights won’t just sit on a shelf—they’ll form part of a growing call to action, pushing for real change in mental health and wellbeing policy across schools and trusts.”

*Terms and conditions apply. This promotion is open to residents aged 18 or over in England and Wales. The promotion will run from 11:00 on 17/09/25 to 23:00 on 10/10/25 inclusive (“Promotion Period”). To enter, entrants must complete the survey with all mandatory fields and submit their entry during the Promotion Period. Entrants must complete the full survey to be entered into the prize draw. The Prize is 1 x £100 Amazon Voucher. The winner will have 14 days to claim their prize via email. See full Terms and Conditions here.

It’s hard to believe, but Education Mutual’s School Business Leader Wellbeing Index 2026 is fast approaching. As we prepare for the next edition of our annual research, we’re calling on the essential voices of the education workforce to once again shape the understanding of wellbeing in the sector. This isn’t just another survey—it’s your opportunity to help spark change.

Whether you’re a School Business Leader, CEO, CFO, Operations or Finance Manager, Facilities Manager, Administrative staff or HR professional, we’d love to hear your honest views on the current state of your mental health and wellbeing in your working role. The pressures and challenges you face are real, and your contribution will help build a clearer, more compassionate picture of working life within England and Wales’ education system.

The survey goes live on Wednesday 17th September at 11am and will remain open until 11pm on Friday 10th October 2025. Whether you’re part of a maintained school, a single-academy trust or a multi-academy trust —your voice matters. As a thank you, all entrants will be entered into a prize draw to win a £100 Amazon voucher *

Keep a look out for the survey link – going live on Wednesday 10^th September 2025 at 11am via www.educationmutual.co.uk

*Terms and conditions apply. This promotion is open to residents aged 18 or over in England and Wales. The promotion will run from 11:00 on 17/09/25 to 23:00 on 10/10/25 inclusive (“Promotion Period”). To enter, entrants must complete the survey with all mandatory fields and submit their entry during the Promotion Period. Entrants must complete the full survey to be entered into the prize draw. The Prize is 1 x £100 Amazon Voucher. The winner will have 14 days to claim their prize via email. See full Terms and Conditions on 17.09.2025

We’re excited to share that Education Mutual has been shortlisted for an Education Today Award in the category of “Wellbeing Resource or Support of the Year!”.

This nomination is more than just a recognition. It’s a reflection of the heart and soul we’ve poured into supporting the wellbeing of school staff across the UK. From mental health resources to financial support during difficult times, our mission has always been clear: to put people first.

We’ve seen firsthand how our services have helped our member Schools and Trusts to navigate challenges within their educational settings. And now, with this nomination, we have a chance to shine a light on the importance of our mutual support.

If you believe in what we do, we’d be honoured to receive your nomination. It only takes a moment, but your support could help us continue to grow, and amplify the outreach we are making to tackle mental health and wellbeing within the education sector – VOTING CLOSES 30th SEPTEMBER 2025 – Vote – Education Today Awards

Thank you for standing with us. Whether you’ve used our services or shared our mission —this recognition belongs to all of us.