The Department’s commitment to rewarding teachers despite the the public sector pay freeze

This year, @EducationGovUK announced the biggest pay rise the teaching profession has seen since 2005, with above-inflation rises to the pay ranges for every single teacher in the country. This September 2020 pay award was worth 3.1% on average, recognising the vital role teachers are playing in protecting children’s futures.

Although the public sector pay freeze announced by the Chancellor yesterday does affect teachers in 2021/22, pay rises from performance related progression and promotion will continue. In recent years, around a third of experienced teachers who were earning below the maximum of their pay range received a pay rise over and above the pay award, due to progression or promotion. Early career teachers are typically eligible for performance related pay progression each year.

They remain committed to achieving a £30k starting salary for teachers. Although a pay restraint means progress towards this salary commitment is slower, this year starting salaries have already increased by 5.5%.

On top of this, Academies are free to set their own pay policies for teachers and will not be affected by yesterday’s announcement. Academies now account for more than 50% of state school pupils.

Kate Green MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Education, responding to news that the Government will break its manifesto commitment to raise teacher salaries to £30,000 by 2022/23, said:

“This is a kick in the teeth for dedicated teachers who have been working incredibly hard throughout the pandemic to ensure children continue to receive their education.

“The Government claims to be working to deliver ‘world class’ education, but it’s breaking its manifesto commitment to teachers. Real terms cuts to school funding and under valuing of staff risks driving experienced teachers from our classrooms.”

A Department for Education spokesperson said:

This year we announced the biggest pay rise the teaching profession has seen since 2005, with above-inflation rises to the pay ranges for every single teacher in the country. We are also committed to introducing a £30,000 starting salary.

Teaching remains an attractive and rewarding career with the opportunity to inspire and shape the lives of millions of pupils. Our reforms to teacher training, early career support, ongoing professional development and teachers’ pay are key to the Government’s plans to raise school standards.