Covid-19, mental health and bullying among top concerns for schools, finds Ecclesiastical

The impact of Covid-19, mental health and wellbeing, and bullying are among the top risks within the education sector, according to Ecclesiastical Insurance.

The risks were revealed in the insurer’s latest Education Risk Barometer, aimed at schools and other educational institutions and combining independent research with specialist knowledge from Ecclesiastical, amassed in the service of this client segment as an insurer.

Covid-19 is the biggest concern for 62% of schools and sixth forms in the UK over the next 12 months, followed by managing the mental health and wellbeing of both pupils and staff, at 56% each.

The cyberbullying of pupils by other pupils (47%) and the bullying of pupils (46%) are also key concerns.

Longer term concerns include falling behind technology changes, recruiting and retaining teachers, the cost maintaining school buildings, and financial pressures.

Faith Kitchen, customer segment director at Ecclesiastical, commented: “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.”

Kitchen added: “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.”

Along with the Education Risk Barometer 2021, Ecclesiastical also provides a hub for schools and other educational institutions containing a range of risk management support and guidance. 

Mark Dugdale