Teachers in England have overwhelmingly approved a 5.5% pay rise, a decision celebrated by many but accompanied by strong warnings about the ongoing need for reforms. According to a snap poll from the National Education Union (NEU), an impressive 95% of members who responded voted in favor of the increase for the 2024-25 academic year. This pay rise will be supported by an additional £1.2 billion allocated to schools.
As the results were announced, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson acted swiftly to address future pay concerns. She sent a letter to the School Teachers’ Review Body (STRB), requesting timely recommendations for the 2025-26 pay round. Phillipson emphasized her desire to align pay announcements with the beginning of the financial year in April, which would help school leaders plan their budgets more effectively.
The STRB has also been asked to consider flexible working arrangements as part of the pay framework, a move aimed at improving both teacher recruitment and retention. Acknowledging calls for better data on equality and diversity, Phillipson pledged to publish comprehensive statistics on pay and progression by protected characteristics.
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However, she also pointed out the financial difficulties her government faces, referencing £22 billion in funding pressures that could impact future pay decisions. Despite these challenges, she assured that her administration would work to address issues affecting the teaching profession, aiming to enhance its status and improve recruitment and retention.
NEU General Secretary Daniel Kebede welcomed the government’s focus on teacher pay as a positive step. He highlighted the importance of raising the profession’s status and addressing recruitment challenges. However, he warned that without further adjustments to salaries, teacher pay would remain uncompetitive, which could perpetuate shortages.
Pepe Di’Iasio, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, echoed these concerns, stressing that adequate pay is essential to tackle the ongoing teacher shortage. He urged the government to include sufficient funding for both school and college staff in the upcoming autumn budget on October 30.
As teachers prepare for the new pay rise, the emphasis on necessary reforms reflects a shared commitment to ensure the long-term health of the teaching profession and improve the quality of education for students throughout England.
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