This reports the findings from the qualitative research that accompanied the DfE Working lives of Teachers and Leaders longitudinal survey research (2021-26). It comprised 60 in-depth interviews carried out in autumn 2025 with those who had left their teaching and leadership roles in state schools and those considering leaving. It provides a vivid account of the reasons why teachers and leaders made decisions to leave their jobs or were considering doing so. Multiple factors contributed, but the main reasons given were high (unmanageable) workload, stress and poor wellbeing. Intensity of workload contributed to this. Some teachers reported that their senior leaders had a negative impact on their wellbeing.