Independent Schools Risk Barometer 2024

The independent school sector is facing a wide range of challenges, many of them exacerbated by the current economic climate. Additionally, safeguarding and the mental health of both pupils and teachers play a significant role in this year’s Independent Schools Risk Barometer findings.

The Independent Schools Risk Barometer is a major research-based report that aims to understand the risks the independent school sector faces and what it can do to manage and mitigate those threats.

In February 2024, we surveyed 250 independent school leaders representing a full spectrum of school types, from small pre-prep schools and large secondaries to all-through schools and sixth form colleges.

The report is dominated by rising costs and financial challenges, as well as managing the mental health of pupils and teachers. It finds that:

• 71% of schools say the costs of repairing and maintaining school buildings are spiralling, and 60% need to do more to improve the health and safety of their school buildings.
• The levels of safeguarding risks have been rising. This includes peer-on-peer abuse increasing in the past 12 months to 46%, online abuse and grooming to 40% and self-harm to 35%.
• 92% of respondents report growing concern over rising teacher stress levels.
• Despite financial constraints, independent schools are adding to their estates, with 47% saying they will construct new buildings in the next five years.

• Check our Health and Safety Training for staff guidance.
• Read about risk assessment which will determine if reasonable precautions are in place to protect your employees and others who may be affected by your activities.
• Check our slips and trips guidance as they are one of the most common causes of injury in many workplaces.
• Explore our safeguarding guidance, which will provide useful information about legal requirements and how to manage safeguarding.
• Find out more about modern methods of construction or contemporary buildings for educational establishments.
• Read our Storm safety advice.
• Learn more about Business Continuity Management.
• Read more about keeping buildings safe during building work.