At Education Mutual, we know that being a School Business Leader (SBL) is a role that carries significant responsibility, and with that can come pressure that impacts wellbeing. Each year, we carry out annual research to better understand the challenges faced by those working across schools and trusts, and to shine a light on how mental health and wellbeing can be affected within this working role.
Our latest reports explore the experiences of SBLs working in both maintained schools and multi-academy trusts. Whether your title is School Business Leader, Business Manager, HR, or part of the wider admin team, we use the term “SBL” broadly to reflect the shared responsibilities many of you carry.
As you take a well-earned pause over the summer holidays, we hope the findings resonate with your own experiences and remind you that you’re not alone in how you may be feeling.
You can explore the reports here:
• Maintained schools report - https://www.educationmutual.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Education-Mutual-School-Business-Leader-Wellbeing-Index-2026-Local-Authority-Maintained-Sector-Version.pdf
• Trusts report: https://www.educationmutual.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/EM-SBL-WI-2026-MAT-Edition.pdf
By sharing these insights, we aim to support conversations, encourage positive change, and help ensure that wellbeing remains a priority across the sector.