Ecclesiastical launches second Education Risk Barometer revealing the biggest risks facing schools

The Education Risk Barometer 2021 explores the top risks within the education sector and focuses on key areas of concern including pupil and teacher mental health and safeguarding.

The key concerns for schools and sixth forms in the UK over the next 12 months are the impact of COVID-19 (62%), managing the mental health and wellbeing of pupils (56%) and staff (56%), cyberbullying of pupils by other pupils (47%) and the bullying of pupils (46%).

The Education Risk Barometer 2021 is the latest in a series of sector insights from Ecclesiastical Insurance, combining independent research with specialist knowledge from the insurer.

The report covers the key risks, challenges, as well as opportunities facing schools including:

• Trust in the education system
• The mental health and wellbeing of students
• The mental health and wellbeing of teachers
• Safeguarding
• Looking into the future
• Alternative education
• Protecting the environment

Faith Kitchen, Customer Segment Director at Ecclesiastical Insurance, said: “As one of the leading insurers of schools in the UK, Ecclesiastical is passionate about supporting the education sector. It’s no surprise to see that managing the impact of Covid is the biggest challenge facing schools as they continue to navigate the pandemic and its consequences. The pandemic has created new risks for schools and seriously exacerbated existing challenges in the sector. We hope this report will encourage schools to think about the risks they may face and how best to protect their organisations for the future.”

View The Education Risk Barometer 2021

Ecclesiastical Insurance offers a range of risk management support and guidance to help schools manage the risks they face. For more information, visit the Hub for Education.