Why Teacher Wellbeing Will Define Education This Year

With summer holidays finally here, many teachers are counting down to a long exhale, a quiet coffee and, let’s be honest, a nap they’ve needed since February. But beyond a few weeks of rest, what schools do next for staff wellbeing could shape the entire academic year ahead.

A new academic year, A new priority.

2025 isn’t just another year on the calendar for education- it’s a pivotal one. From changing expectations post-pandemic, to increased scrutiny on teacher recruitment and retention, schools are under pressure to deliver results while looking after the very people expected to make it all happen.

At Gold Education Recruitment, we speak to supply teachers, teaching assistants and school leaders across Essex, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Suffolk every day. One thing we’re hearing loud and clear? Teacher wellbeing is no longer a “nice-to-have”- it’s a non-negotiable.

Why wellbeing can’t wait!

1. The retention crisis is real.

Schools across the UK are facing unprecedented recruitment challenges, especially when it comes to teaching assistants, support staff and supply cover. When wellbeing is overlooked, burnout drives great educators out of the profession altogether. This is why our relationships with local schools and talented candidates have become essential to ensure quick and efficient recruitment.

2. Pupil wellbeing starts with staff wellbeing.

A calm, supported adult creates a calm, supported classroom. When teachers feel mentally and emotionally resourced, the positive ripple effect on students is huge. Behaviour improves.

Engagement rises.

And everyone breathes a little easier.

3. OFSTED are paying attention.

Inspections are increasingly zooming in on school culture, and how leadership supports staff welfare. This isn’t about ticking a box; it’s about genuinely creating sustainable environments where educators want to stay.

Building a Culture of Wellbeing: What Schools can do.

You don’t need yoga mats in the staffroom (though we’re not against them). Real wellbeing culture is embedded in everyday practice. Here’s how schools can lead the charge:

• Review workload regularly – A Sunday night spent planning a Monday morning? It’s got to stop. Set clear expectations that allow staff to switch off.

• Offer flexible cover options – Using reliable supply staff (we can help with that) can protect your permanent team from burnout and avoid last-minute panic.

• Celebrate more than performance – Notice the quiet wins. A TA who made a nervous pupil smile? That’s gold.

• Listen, genuinely – Staff surveys, open-door policies, wellbeing champions- these are all great, but only if they're backed by action.

• Invest in training – Resilience, mental health first aid and classroom behaviour support aren’t just for crisis moments, they’re for preventing them.

Teachers: Look after you too.

To the teachers, LSAs, TAs and support staff reading this on your break (or from the beach- we hope!): we see you. You can’t pour from an empty coffee cup. This Summer, prioritise rest like it’s a lesson observation.

And come September? Set your own boundaries with the same energy you set classroom expectations.

At Gold Education Recruitment, we’re more than a recruitment agency, we’re your partners in people-first education. Whether you’re a school looking for dependable supply cover, or a teacher ready for your next chapter, let’s start with wellbeing.

Here’s to a happier, healthier school year in 2025.

Don’t forget to contact us to find out more about our latest vacancies, or head to our Jobs Board to find out more.