Surviving the headship role : stress and wellbeing of primary school leaders in Gozo

Abstract

The role of the school leader is one of the most stressful careers in many countries. This study aimed to explore how primary school leaders in Gozo experience their role. It sought to identify the main stressors that they face, the effects of stress on their health and wellbeing, the coping strategies they use and what support is available to them. Furthermore, it sought to discover additional ways in which school leaders would like to be supported. The most prevalent perceived stressors include a heavy workload, health and safety issues, working within a rigid centralised system, and dealing with negative attitudes from superiors. Participants attributed sleepless nights, reduced personal time and actual physical ailments directly to work-related stress. The most common coping strategies they use include keeping regular contact with children, setting clear boundaries between home and work and making good use of the school holidays. Support is mainly found in the people working around them, namely their assistant heads. Participants would like a healthier relationship with their superiors and a more effective school maintenance system.