Mental Health Remains a Key Risk for Independent Schools as Workload and Wellbeing Pressures Grow, Aon Report
SYDNEY, 4 Aug. 2026 - Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, has released findings from its 2026 Independent Schools Risk Report, which found that mental health remains a significant focus area for participating independent schools in Australia as workplace expectations around psychosocial risk management continue to evolve and schools support staff and student wellbeing.
The mental health of staff and students is ranked as the third-highest risk identified by respondents, reflecting concern about workload, workforce shortages, student wellbeing and the impact of harmful online experiences.
“Mental health is no longer viewed solely as a wellbeing issue. It is increasingly recognised as a workforce, governance and operational consideration that influences schools' ability to support both staff and students,” said Lachlan Bowden, practice group leader of education in Australia for Aon. “As regulatory expectations evolve, schools are taking important steps to strengthen psychosocial risk management while continuing to support their communities and foster positive wellbeing outcomes”
Schools report strengthening their approach to wellbeing through employee assistance programs, wellbeing initiatives and psychosocial risk management as workplace health and safety legislation continues to evolve. Despite this progress, workload remains a significant concern, with respondents identifying teacher shortages as a contributing factor placing additional pressure on staff.
Safe Work Australia data highlights the broader workforce impact of mental health claims. Across the Australian workforce, serious mental health claims result in an average of 35.7 working weeks away from work and average compensation costs of $67,400, significantly higher than other workplace injury claims1.
Student mental health remains a key area of focus, with 94 per cent of participating schools expressing concern about student wellbeing. More than three-quarters of schools now employ a full-time student counsellor, up from 68 per cent in 2024.
Participating schools report that social media use continues to influence student wellbeing, with harmful online experiences creating challenges for schools supporting young people.
The survey findings reinforce the importance of proactive psychosocial risk management, clear accountability, leadership capability and organisational systems that reduce unnecessary workload, alongside strong support for both staff and students.
“Supporting mental health requires more than wellbeing initiatives alone. The strongest outcomes come from workplace systems that support staff, strengthen wellbeing and help schools identify and address risks early,” added Bowden.
About the Survey
Since 2014, Aon’s Independent Schools Risk Survey, conducted on a biennial basis, captures a view of risks in the education landscape from the perspective of professionals working in the sector. To access the full report, visit schoolsriskreport.aon.com.au.
This year, the survey was conducted from January to March 2026. Three hundred and six independent schools took part in the survey from all states and territories across Australia (except for the Northern Territory). Participating schools include non-denominational and religious schools, as well as schools offering special assistance and Steiner and Montessori-led education.
For the purpose of this survey, an independent school is generally defined as a non-government school that operates independently of state and territory education departments and is typically governed by its own board or organisation rather than by a church or government authority.
The information in this media release is based on survey responses from participating schools and reflects their views at the time of the survey. It is not intended to be representative of all independent schools in Australia.
1 Safe Work Australia, Key Work Health and Safety Statistics Australia, 16 October 2025, https://data.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/insights/key-whs-statistics-australia/latest-release
About Aon
Aon plc (NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Through actionable analytic insight, globally integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise, and locally relevant solutions, our colleagues provide clients in over 120 countries with the clarity and confidence to make better risk and people decisions that help protect and grow their businesses.
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