A new report has raised concerns about the rising levels of depression and anxiety among school principals, warning a “mass exodus” of staff could jeopardise ”the future of education in Australia.”
The Australian Catholic University (ACU) has surveyed teachers and senior school staff every year since 2011.
Its latest report includes results from nearly 2,200 school leaders, and highlights declining mental health amid record levels of physical violence, threats, and bullying in schools.
Report
The report examined five key areas: anxiety and depression levels, critical incidents experienced in the role, resilience in overcoming “adversity”, and school leaders’ intention to leave the profession.
The latest results show the highest levels of violence since the survey began in 2011. Instances of physical violence against school leaders have increased by 82% in that time.
About 74% of those surveyed reported they had experienced a “critical incident” at work. The most common kinds were violence and threats (44%).
Around 50% of school principals reported being subjected to physical violence, while 55% were threatened with violence.
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Four in five cases of threatened violence came from students, as did nearly all cases of actual physical violence. Nearly two-thirds of principals had been threatened with violence by parents.
The report highlighted the “alarming” impact these incidents have had.
In 2024, around 45% of principals’ wellbeing status warranted a “red flag” alert — indicating they were at risk of self-harm, health issues, or a serious decline in quality of life.
Retention
More than half of school principals (53%) agreed with the statement: “I often seriously consider leaving my current job.” A majority were from Queensland.
The report estimated that if this continues, Australian schools risk losing up to 500 principals.
In addition to workplace abuse, principals reported high stress levels due to heavy workloads, limited time for teaching and learning, student-related challenges, and issues with staff and students’ mental health.
One of the report’s lead authors, Professor Theresa Dicke, warned principals who have considered leaving need “urgent” help.
“Violent and threatening behaviours are taking an unfair toll on the committed and dedicated leaders and reduce the ability for schools to be positive environments focused on student learning,” Dicke said.
