Commenting on an analysis published today (Friday 23 July) by the
Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), on what the government's
recently confirmed pay freeze for teachers and school leaders
will mean for their long-term pay, Paul Whiteman, general
secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said:
“This report demonstrates what NAHT has been saying for a number
of years - experienced teachers and leaders are not being
properly rewarded. Their pay has been severely eroded over the
past decade, while at the same time they have been asked to take
on more and more. NAHT’s own survey research has found that
nearly half of school leaders (47%) are considering leaving the
profession sooner than originally planned. The experience these
teachers and leaders have cannot be replaced by the new people
entering teacher training this year.
“If the government is serious about ensuring there are enough
great teachers and leaders for every school, they must pay as
much attention to retention as to recruitment, and take action to
create a truly positive proposition for a long-term career in
teaching. The essential components include competitive pay,
attractive and flexible working conditions, a healthy work-life
balance, opportunities for career-long continuing professional
development, and lower risk ways of holding schools to account.
Ultimately it is very simple: pay people properly and treat them
well.”
