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Pay in Academies, Free Schools and Independent Schools in England

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The NASUWT has the interests of academy and independent school members at heart as much as those in the maintained sector. Academies, Free Schools and independent schools do not have to abide by the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document, the Conditions of Service for School Teachers in England and Wales - commonly known as the ‘Burgundy Book’, or other terms and conditions negotiated nationally for school teachers and support staff. They may make their own decisions concerning the level of teachers' pay.

However, where an academy replaces an existing school(s) there will usually be a transfer of an undertaking under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (TUPE) (new window). In such cases, staff of the closing school(s) who have a substantive contract at the point of closure will have the right to transfer to the academy on their existing terms and conditions, as set out in the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document.

NASUWT advice for members on Pay in Maintained Schools in England will be relevant, in most situations to those who are subject to such a TUPE transfer to an academy. This includes the Union's Salary Cards and advice and information on pay, threshold and upper pay spine progression and school reorganisation through the review of staffing structures. For all other teachers working in an academy, free school or independent school this information can be used as a benchmark against which their employer's proposals can be measured regarding pay and related issues. The NASUWT also provides advice on Conditions of Service in Academies, Free Schools and Independent Schools in England and has recently produced a Practical guide for members in academies on appraisal/performance management.

The advice below is relevant to all teachers working in academies, free schools and independent schools. It relates to:

NASUWT members working in an academy, free school or independent school should contact their Local Association Secretary or Regional Centre if they require further information or assistance.

The NASUWT has produced resources on both Academies and Free Schools as part of the Championing Education Campaign, including  the  Academy Schools: The NASUWT’s Objectives leaflet and the Free Schools leaflet. The NASUWT has also presented the Private Sector and State Education report to National Conference and commissioned the Academy Schools - Case Unproven research, which was conducted by Catalyst.

Family Friendly Rights

The NASUWT produces guidance for members with children on the provisions for maternity, paternity, adoption and parental leave. The guidance also contains information on rights to time off for family and domestic reasons.

Members have the right to apply to work flexibly where they have:

  • children aged under 17;
  • disabled children aged under 18; or
  • carer responsibilities. 

The NASUWT has produced guidance on requesting Flexible working, and generally on Part-time work and job-share arrangements. 

The NASUWT, through the Rewards and Incentives Group, successfully negotiated the opportunity for teachers to participate in salary sacrifice schemes for childcare vouchers/benefits, cycles for work and mobile phones. There is a standard Salary sacrifice form on which employees can apply or express an interest.

Temporary workers and supply teachers

The NASUWT provides advice on the rights of Teachers who work on a temporary basis or fixed-term contracts.

Tax

The NASUWT provides a brief outline of the various tax allowances which teachers are eligible to claim under UK legislation in the NASUWT's brief guide to tax for teachers.

Further information or assistance

Members needing further information or assistance should contact their Local Association Secretary or Regional Centre.