School Leaders Survey: Sharing insights, emerging opportunities and challenges facing the nation’s schools

School leaders survey Summer 2025: Key findings available now

Research for this survey was carried out during May 2025 and nearly 200 school leaders responded, representing over 1,700 schools, collectively responsible for nearly 1 million pupils from across all regions of England.

During the government's first year in office, we’ve had draft legislation, announcements on funding and on SEND reform. The clear sense from this summer's survey is that school leaders' views on the impact of government policy has shifted from neutrality to dissatisfaction. 

Our survey has always reported concerns around funding but now, more than ever, the financial backdrop seems to permeate throughout. 

In this edition we’ve taken a deeper dive into schools’ experience managing pupil exclusions, alternative provision and key challenges such as striking the balance between addressing behavioural challenges whilst being inclusive. 

We also explore school leaders’ views on early years provision, in the wake of the Secretary of State making this a key investment area. Download the report now to find out more.

Download the report