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Conditions of Service in Independent Schools in Wales

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The NASUWT has the interests of independent school members at heart as much as those in the state sector. Independent Schools do not have to abide by the School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD), 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, although many Independent schools do mirror the national terms and conditions. They may make their own decisions concerning the level of teachers pay. Teachers should contact the Wales National Centre if they require further information or assistance.

The School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document

The statutory requirements for teachers’ pay and conditions for maintained schools in England and Wales, which schools and local authorities (LAs) must abide by, are set out in the annually updated School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document, commonly known as the ‘Blue Book’. 

Conditions of Service for School Teachers in England and Wales

The statutory requirements for teachers’ conditions of service for maintained schools in England and Wales, which schools and local authorities (LAs) must abide by, are set out in the Conditions of Service for School Teachers in England and Wales, commonly known as the ‘Burgundy Book’.

The Burgundy Book contains the following sections:

  • Appointment: Resignation: Retirement;
  • Sick Pay Scheme;
  • Maternity Scheme;
  • Other Leave;
  • Grievance and Disciplinary Procedures;
  • Miscellaneous Conditions.

It also includes information concerning the following:

  • Premature retirement compensation;
  • Memorandum of agreement for the release of teachers;
  • Agreement on facilities for representatives of recognised teachers' organisations;
  • Relations between teachers' organisations and LEAs: Collective disputes procedures;
  • Insurance and travelling allowances;
  • Teachers and the school meals service.

Pay and Performance Management

Information on pay, threshold and performance management for teachers who work in Independent schools in Wales can be found on the Wales - Independent Schools Pay Advice webpage.

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.

Advice on the legal requirements is assessing risks in relation to new and expectant mothers’ job activities is set out in the Health and Safety Executive booklet New and Expectant Mothers at Work: A Guide for Employers (new window).

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 and on the rights of Teachers working for employment agencies.

Further information or assistance

Members needing further information or assistance should contact their Local Association Secretary or the Wales National Centre.