Izzy Lepone 02 September 2025

Overstretched schools need clearer roles, says union

Overstretched schools need clearer roles, says union image
© Lopolo / Shutterstock.com.

Education staff are carrying disproportionate responsibilities, according to the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL).

In a report titled ‘A roadmap for a sustainable education system’, the ASCL argues schools are ‘providing services and support which go far beyond their core remit’.

Highlighting the ‘crumbling’ state of public services, Julie McCulloch, ASCL Director of Strategy and Policy, said that ‘the burden placed on school and college teachers and leaders has never been higher’, as schools are ‘left to pick up the pieces’.

According to the union, schools, trusts and colleges should focus on delivering ‘core educational activities’ and enabling responsibilities, which the ASCL argues should be distinct from integrated services like health and social care, and wider societal responsibilities, such as food banks and housing.

The report recommends that both central and local government should provide sufficient multi-year funding settlements to support the core activities of schools, colleges and trusts.

It also suggests that local government introduces a ‘joined-up, place-based strategy’ to establish the regional distribution of education, health and social care responsibilities.

Ms McCulloch added: ‘It is time to rethink exactly what we expect from schools and colleges and how they should be resourced to meet these demands’.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Casual Support Worker

Oxfordshire County Council
£25992 - £28163
About Us Abingdon Community Support Service's primary purpose is to support adults to engage with a stimulating programme of meaningful individual and rewarding group activities. The Social and Community Services vision is to support and promote strong c Abingdon Community Support Service
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Quality and Review Support Assistant

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824 Pro-rata
WHAT IS INVOLVED?   You will provide administrative, clerical and typing services to the Quality & Review Service, specifically in support of the Inde Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Duty Manager

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £28,142 - £31,022 per annum
We have an opportunity for a Duty Manager at Meadowfield Leisure Centre.  WHAT IS INVOLVED? You will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of t Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824 Pro-rata
WHAT IS INVOLVED?   You should be an enthusiastic team player who takes pride in providing excellent customer service.  You will have good communicati Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824 Pro-rata
We have an exciting opportunity for a permanent Support Officer to join our dedicated team within Business Services (part time 22 hours).   WHAT IS IN Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner