Autumn State of the Region Survey: A Snapshot of Challenges, Progress, and Priorities
As autumn makes way for winter across the North East, our latest ‘State of the Region’ report paints a vivid picture of the evolving landscape in our schools.
Based on responses from over 210 schools across the region, this term’s findings highlight progress, ongoing challenges, and the resilience of our brilliant school colleagues as they navigate the complexities of working in a post-pandemic education sector.
Let’s briefly explore the points we’ve uncovered.
Staffing proves to be a mixed bag of improvement and struggle
Staffing remains at the heart of school operations, with nearly 70 percent of schools reporting attendance levels above 95 percent. While this figure has dipped compared to the same term in 2023, it shows recovery from the lows of earlier this year, which is certainly worth a thumbs up.
Encouragingly, fewer schools are grappling with recruitment and retention issues, with many reporting a newfound stability made possible through intentional support systems, and fostering a strong ethos of staff value.
One school leader highlighted this sentiment: “Retention and recruitment are inextricably linked to the ethos within the school and its reputation. If staff don’t leave, it’s because they feel valued and know they make a positive difference.”
While the above points are absolutely a cause for celebration, we can’t ignore the fact that significant hurdles remain. For example, budget constraints limit what schools can offer in terms of competitive pay, and the quality/ quantity of applicants (particularly for specialist roles like science teachers and teaching assistants) has yet to recover to pre-pandemic levels.
Wellbeing on the mend… but pressures persist
In the wake of pandemic-related turbulence, staff and student wellbeing is gradually improving…which is truly a delight to report! Over two-thirds of schools rated staff wellbeing as positive, marking a consistent upward trend. There are various methods we can thank for this improvement, but it’s worth highlighting the power specifically behind schools prioritising wellbeing initiatives, with many appointing dedicated wellbeing leads.
Again, while this is fantastic to announce, challenges are still apparent. Rising workloads, exacerbated by increasing numbers of students with additional complex needs, continue to stretch staff. Teaching assistants, for example, often juggle one-to-one support across multiple year groups, leaving little room for proactive teaching support.
For school leaders themselves, the wellbeing picture is more complex. While 43 percent reported positive wellbeing (another improvement we shouldn’t overlook!) more than half described their wellbeing as neutral or poor. This signals the intense pressure many leaders face in balancing expectations and needs against limited resources.
Turning a corner with attendance, but not out of the woods just yet
Student attendance has shown a marked improvement, with nearly 40 percent of schools achieving attendance rates of 95 percent or higher—better than at any point since our surveys began! Dedicated attendance officers and stronger engagement with families have helped tackle persistent absences.
However, our schools still face uphill battles. Parental attitudes toward term-time holidays and school attendance have shifted, and a small (yet significant) group of families remains disengaged.
And unsurprisingly, budget pressures are at fault here too, making sustaining attendance initiatives challenging while persistent absences remain above pre-pandemic levels.
Progress across student wellbeing amid lingering pandemic shadows
Student wellbeing also continues its upward trajectory, with 80 percent of schools rating it positively—another survey high. Schools are providing safe spaces for students, and many report that the majority of pupils are happy and engaged.
Nonetheless, the lingering effects of the pandemic are still apparent despite the first lockdown taking place almost five years ago (yes, you read that right: almost five years ago!). Primary schools, in particular, note struggles with younger children exhibiting anxiety, low resilience, and significant communication challenges. External pressures, such as family instability and overburdened mental health services, compound these issues.
Behaviour and parental relationships: progress with caveats
The ‘State of the Region’ also brings welcome news on behaviour, with over 60 percent of schools reporting issues at ‘normal’ levels. However, deeper concerns persist. Rising complexity in unmet SEND continues to drive behavioural challenges, particularly among younger students entering school without expected social and emotional skills.
Relationships with parents remain a mixed picture. While the majority are supportive, schools report an increase in ‘vexatious’ complaints and confrontational attitudes. A small minority of parents undermine school authority, particularly around discipline and attendance, creating added stress for staff.
The SEND crisis presents a system at breaking point
SEND provision is a recurring theme in the survey, with 94 percent of schools noting rising numbers of students with additional and more complex needs — and there simply aren’t enough resources to address these needs.
Schools frequently lack the funding, space, and qualified staff to meet demand, leading to delays in diagnosis and interventions. One alternative provision leader observed: “The majority of permanently excluded students in our setting had an unidentified SEND need.”
This crisis continues to scream the need for systemic reform. Long waiting lists for critical services, such as speech therapy and child mental health support, leave schools to fill the gaps even though they lack the resources to do so appropriately.
The overarching challenge of FUNDING
Above all, funding remains the defining issue for North East schools, and that should come as no surprise. Tight budgets are forcing difficult decisions, from staff restructures to reductions in support services. The rising cost of school transport, building maintenance, and SEND provision increases these pressures.
With many schools unable to employ sufficient staff or afford specialist training, the impact is profound. As one leader put it: “Educational inequalities cannot be solved by schools alone; we need wider societal support.”
Looking ahead to establish priorities for change
Despite these challenges, the resilience and ingenuity of North East schools continues to shine through, which is something we can always rely on.
Our schools are finding innovative ways to build staff capacity, improve student wellbeing, and foster stronger community relationships. However, the survey makes clear that broader structural changes are essential. Among the key priorities for the future:
- Reforming SEND systems: Streamlining support to ensure timely interventions and adequate resources.
- Addressing funding gaps: Enabling schools to offer fair pay, support staff training, and maintain necessary facilities.
- Rethinking accountability: Moving beyond narrow academic measures to embrace a more inclusive and holistic approach to education.
- Enhancing parental engagement: Empowering families with resources and support to foster stronger home-school partnerships.
As the North East continues to recover from the pandemic’s aftershocks, the latest ‘State of the Region’ survey serves as a vital barometer. It reminds us that while progress is being made — and that we should celebrate this progress— schools cannot shoulder these challenges alone.
To truly thrive, they need sustained investment, systemic reform, and a collective commitment to the success of every student and staff member.
As the Voice, Glue, Bridge of North East schools, we will continue to advocate for this until the results of our State of the Region surveys SHINE just as much as our schools do.