Understanding the Expectations and
Challenges Faced by Schools

Hi,

I’m Alix and it’s my mission to help as many of the next generation as possible work in jobs that meet their passion and purpose, making them happy and fulfilled adults. Providing support and hand holding where they may not have any.

So, grab a snack and join me…

Although the National Curriculum and educational landscape appear to have been in place forever, schools find themselves under increasing pressure to perform well and achieve outstanding results.

With the advent of the internet, everyone has access to information online in seconds and schools have become open books. Parental opinions of a school and school results are there in black and white as they happen.

Schools continually face demands from parents, government authorities and their communities and, while the pursuit of excellence in education is great, it’s essential to understand the underlying reasons and potential consequences of such immense pressure.

Below, we’ll explore the factors contributing to the pressure a headteacher faces, the challenges they’re presented with, and potential strategies to strike a balance between achievement and the overall well-being of everyone at the school.

Accountability and standards…

One of the primary drivers of pressure on schools is an increasing demand for accountability.

Governments and education policymakers set rigorous academic standards and conduct assessments by outside evaluators to measure school performance - think ‘Ofsted’.

These evaluations are often used to compare schools and determine funding allocations. As a result, schools are under immense pressure to demonstrate their effectiveness in educating students.

Unfortunately, I believe, schools are given advance warning when evaluations are due and I know from a friend who teaches in secondary school that, when this notice is received, all the teachers are told and she, for one, spends hours preparing special lessons - spot-on slides, interactive activities to promote student participation and such like.

How can a fair assessment be made when this is the case? Meaning, effectively, that the assessments are worthless?

Parental expectations…

Parents, as significant stakeholders, also play a crucial role in pressuring schools to perform well.

Expectations for high academic achievement, along with a desire for comprehensive extracurricular activities, can put schools under substantial strain financially. Meeting these expectations requires allocating resources, recruiting top-quality teachers, and offering a wide range of programmes, all while striving to maintain a nurturing learning environment.

As a parent, what would you rather have, more teachers to reduce class size to improve teacher/student ratio or football club after school? These are decisions headteachers must make against a limited budget.

Competition and rankings…

Schools often face competition from neighbouring educational institutions, which can lead to an obsession with rankings and reputation. High rankings can attract more students, secure additional funding, and enhance the school's standing in the community, with this information freely and easily available online.

Consequently, schools could, understandably, prioritise activities or strategies that improve rankings, rather than focusing solely on holistic educational development, depriving students of a well-rounded education. Remember, what happens at school will affect how children face adulthood and, put simply, it’s not just about what exams you’ve passed when you’re in a job...

Funding and resources…

The performance of schools can directly impact their funding and resource allocation.

High-performing schools are more likely to receive additional funding, grants, and donations, providing them with an advantage in offering a comprehensive educational experience and better, up-to-date equipment, thus making them even more high-performing and the cycle continues.

On the other hand, underperforming schools might find it challenging to secure the necessary resources to address their unique challenges. This could lead to less-qualified teachers working there, with the resulting impact on overall performance – a no-win situation for all.

Challenges posed by the pressure…

While the pursuit of excellence is admirable, the relentless pressure on schools to perform well can lead to several challenges:

Narrowing the curriculum:

To meet performance targets, schools may feel compelled to focus disproportionately on subjects that are heavily tested, neglecting other vital areas such as arts, physical education, and social-emotional learning.

This narrowing of the curriculum can result in higher teacher-student ratios per class, with teachers understandably passing on the pressure and demands for higher results to their students.

With more students in a class, a teacher’s ability to know their students is reduced. It can also lesson support should a student begin to struggle and that’s even if the teacher spots it happening in the first place.

Note: My friend works in a secondary school and took a student aside to find out why he was constantly late, only to find out that his mother was seriously ill, and he had to get his two younger siblings ready and to school before getting himself to his school. Once she knew, she could help, but this would have continued if she hadn’t spotted the lateness – which is pretty much hard to miss.

What about a child struggling with their work? Teachers would only spot this if they were aware of each student’s ability in the lesson and note any grades falling – much harder as opposed to logging someone in at the beginning of the day and having it there in black and white.

High-stakes testing culture:

Excessive emphasis on standardised testing can create a high-stakes testing culture, where students, teachers, and administrators may feel anxious and stressed about achieving specific scores.

This pressure can lead to a focus on test preparation rather than fostering the genuine love for learning, with the resulting impact on those less academically blessed.

Note: When I was at school, we all took the 11+. If you passed you went to a grammar school. I passed and went to a nun-lead school which I learnt early on was only interested in students going on to university. I truly believe that I only just passed the 11+ because I struggled from day one when I was put in a class knowing no-one and seeing all the cliques already formed. The school was the nearest religious grammar school and took an hour on the bus to get there meaning there weren’t any other children from my school in my class, or nearby. I had several siblings so no support at home either. Going through secondary school feeling inferior every, single, day was soul and confidence destroying.

Remember we need everyone from brain surgeons to electricians, hairdressers, vets and doctors to cleaners and everything in between. You can’t perform operations if lighting isn’t working or the place isn’t spit-spot.

And we need everyone to perform at their best, with the right teaching to guide and instil in them a sense of pride in their work, no matter what it is.

School is not just about exam results it includes teaching students to want to excel in any line of work they’re aiming for. Every career has those that shine and each student should end up in a career that’s right for them, lead them to their highest potential and making them happy and fulfilled adults.

Teacher burnout:

Teachers, as frontline agents in the education system, may well bear the brunt of the pressure to perform. This constant need to meet targets and deal with high expectations can lead to early teacher burnout, ultimately impacting the quality of education they provide.

Teachers need nurturing too.

Student well-being:

The pressure to perform can also take a toll on students' mental health and well-being as teachers pass on their stress.

The emphasis on achievement above all else can lead to increased anxiety, and even a fear of failure among students (think me!), hindering their overall growth and development, with the resulting impact on their future.

It’s the very reason I started writing these articles, for all those out there who have no support, either at home or at school and I truly hope I can provide a ‘virtual mentor’ support. Feel free to email me below if I can.

Strategies for striking a balance…

To address challenges posed by the pressure to perform, schools can adopt the following strategies:

Emphasise holistic development:

In a perfect world, schools should be able to focus on providing a well-rounded education that nurtures students' academic, social, emotional, and physical development.

Encouraging extracurricular activities, sports, and arts can complement academic achievements, open students’ eyes to alternative job paths and foster a balanced approach to education – getting the balance right.

Redefine success metrics:

Rather than solely relying on standardised test scores, schools can develop a broader range of assessment tools that evaluate students' critical thinking, problem-solving skills, creativity, and collaboration.

This shift in focus will promote deeper learning and better prepare students for real-world challenges, but, of course, aren’t measured in test results to post online. The upside is that reports written by students will publicise this approach online and, if parents and other students are aware of how important this is, they will judge the school accordingly, not just on exam results.

Support professional development:

Investing in teacher development is crucial to improve instructional practices and ensure they’re equipped to meet the diverse needs of students.

Teachers need support and resources to implement innovative teaching methodologies and create engaging learning experiences. Making a subject exciting will, in itself, encourage students to want to learn, having the obvious knock-on effect of improving grades naturally. Perhaps (eventually) changing all their teaching methods to those as if evaluators are due in?

Teachers also need to know they’re appreciated and doing a good job. Results are not everything. With appreciation of their work comes a better school environment as they go in with their head held high and smiling like they do on the adverts?

Collaborative learning communities:

Encouraging open collaboration between schools, teachers, parents, and communities can help share best practices and collectively address challenges. Working together can lead to a more supportive and sustainable education system.

Conclusion…

While the pressure on schools to perform well is a reality of modern education and the rise of the internet, it’s essential to strike a balance that prioritises the overall well-being and development of students.

By redefining success metrics, fostering a holistic approach to education, and supporting teachers and students, schools can navigate the pressure and create a positive and nurturing learning environment that benefits everyone involved.

Ultimately, the goal should be to empower students to become lifelong learners, critical thinkers, and well-rounded individuals prepared to face the challenges of the future.

Best wishes always,