Hundreds of employees across Jerseys schools reported thinking about leaving their positions in 2025, according to a government survey. The Jersey Schools and Colleges Survey gathered responses from 28% of the education workforce more than 600 staff members.
Among those who took part, 62% said they had considered resigning, citing issues related to wellbeing, financial pressures, and leadership. Despite this, the report noted that roughly two-thirds of respondents felt positive about their jobs, highlighting strong relationships with students and colleagues.
The survey was distributed to all school employees across the island over a two-week period in July. Officials stated that the findings would be used to guide future planning and policy decisions.
The report found that while many staff valued the rewarding nature of their work, concerns remained regarding workload, pay, leadership support, and limited opportunities for career advancement. More than 30% of respondents rated student behaviour as poor or very poor, and 68 staff members detailed instances of parental aggression.
These incidents included hostile emails, social media attacks, and formal complaints directed at schools. Additionally, 27 staff members reported pupils displaying sexualised behaviour, such as sexual harassment and the use of explicit language.
Six respondents described being threatened with sharp or otherwise dangerous objects. Many participants also said they regularly worked extended hours, with teachers averaging close to 50 hours per week. Senior leaders including head teachers and their deputies often worked even longer.
Administrative tasks, behaviour management, and communication with parents accounted for a significant portion of time spent outside teaching, alongside unpaid extracurricular responsibilities. Some respondents also reported experiencing challenging student behaviour and, less commonly, discrimination based on gender, age, disability, or professional role.
The government stated that the survey is intended to highlight effective practices, pinpoint areas requiring improvement, and support targeted assistance for staff. Officials said the results will contribute to ongoing development of policies and future planning.
Addition from the author
Analysis: The Challenges Facing Jersey's Education Workforce
The recent government survey revealing that 62% of Jersey's school employees have considered leaving their positions paints a stark picture of the current state of the education sector. While many respondents express satisfaction with their relationships with students and colleagues, it is clear that issues surrounding workload, pay, and leadership are contributing to significant dissatisfaction. The fact that a substantial portion of respondents regularly works more than 50 hours per week underlines the strain that many educators are under.
Among the most pressing concerns is the increasing incidence of disruptive student behavior. Over 30% of staff rated student behavior as poor or very poor, with reports of sexual harassment, explicit language, and even threats involving dangerous objects. Parental aggression, too, is an alarming issue, with numerous staff members citing hostile interactions through emails, social media, and formal complaints. These factors create a stressful work environment, where the personal safety of staff members is in question, and emotional well-being is compromised.
The survey also highlights a lack of career advancement opportunities and limited leadership support as key factors contributing to high levels of stress. More than a quarter of respondents expressed concerns about their career trajectory, indicating a need for stronger professional development programs and improved leadership structures. Additionally, the issue of insufficient pay relative to the hours worked remains a fundamental problem, particularly for senior leaders who often exceed the 50-hour workweek.
While the survey results provide valuable insights into the challenges facing Jersey's education sector, it is clear that the path forward will require substantial policy changes and investment in both human and financial resources. As the government moves forward with its planning, these findings should serve as a crucial starting point for addressing the concerns that continue to drive many educators to consider leaving the profession.
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