"As a charity we are dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of teachers across the education sector and we understand how damaging teacher stress is. We receive calls on a daily basis from teachers who can no longer function due to stress, anxiety and similar mental health conditions.

The role of a teacher is often underestimated and the stress they face can often go unnoticed. Whilst we understand that many people thrive under stress, too much can lead to serious health and family problems, low wellbeing, long term sickness absence and even thoughts of suicide.

In 2010-2011 we received 4,589 calls and emails from staff who were suffering from anxiety. Recent Labour Force Survey data also showed that teaching is the second highest occupation for self-reported work-related stress, anxiety or depression. These figures indicate that teacher stress and related conditions are a very real and concerning issue within the profession."