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Update on the support staff pay award for 2026/27

November 2025

At the end of November, the support staff unions (UNISON, GMB and Unite) submitted their claim to the National employers for 2026/27, calling for an increase of at least £3,000 or 10% (whichever is greater) across all NJC spinal column points.

The claim also calls for:

  • a minimum pay rate of £15 an hour for the NJC pay spine
  • a two-hour reduction in the working week
  • an increase of one day annual leave
  • the ability of all school support staff to take a day of paid leave during term time
  • the abolition of level one teaching assistant role and instead all level one role holders be moved onto level two.

The unions have also noted an interest in a possible multi-year settlement. In the event of a multi-year settlement being proposed, the unions are seeking the following structure to a three-year agreement: 

  • year one: £3,000 or 10% (whichever is greater) on all spinal column points, alongside the introduction of a £15 minimum hourly rate
  • year two: An increase of RPI + 3%
  • Year three: An increase of RPI + 2%.

Read the full details of the claim.

Context

NAHT's view on the local government pay scales

We do not believe that the current local government pay scales offer enough flexibility to recognise the status and seniority of a school business leader (SBL) role, nor do they take account of the growth in the scope and responsibility of SBLs' roles over recent years.

We are clear that in the long term, there should be a national framework that defines the roles and sets out the pay and conditions of all those employed in a national, publicly funded education system, including SBLs. We have repeatedly and extensively made this case to the School Teachers' Review Body (STRB), including in our latest work, which you can find here.

We continue to call for a significant pay increase for all teachers and leaders, including school business leaders, which is fully funded by the government. In the interim, NAHT has developed member advice around SBL pay and grading to support individuals with their personal circumstances and offer support to individual members with their cases for pay reviews.

First published 11 December 2025

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NAHT Life logo

NAHT life membership gives you the opportunity to continue your membership of the biggest union for school leaders both in post and in retirement.


NAHT life membership focuses on helping retired members receive excellent trade union services and allows you to continue to play an active volunteer role within NAHT regions and branches, if that’s what you choose to do!

Please note to qualify for the benefits of NAHT life membership you must join NAHT life within six months of retiring. 

Please ensure NAHT has your correct post-retirement contact details. NAHT is currently reviewing, renewing and refreshing its services to support NAHT life member.

The life members' sector council (LMSC)

Whether leaving a labour of love or embracing a life of leisure, there can be no doubt that retirement from school leadership marks a huge change in lifestyle. There will be adjustments to make, new challenges to take and a range of new opportunities. At a time like this, it is important that our experienced members do not lose all the support they received in their working life. Our LMSC is here to ensure members are supported in retirement.

This council feeds its extensive wealth of experience and know-how to support the work of NAHT. It also gives our life members the chance to make important contributions to our campaigns for working members. It meets four times a year and is made up of one elected representative from each of our regions, with the addition of one place each for Northern Ireland and Wales. These elected committee members normally serve a three-year term.

Areas of focus for the LMSC include the following: 

  • current legislation issues, eg pension provision
  • action against discrimination, including age discrimination.

LMSC chair

Andy Mellor: andy.mellor@naht.org.uk

LMSC servicing officer

Phil McPherson has the responsibility for working closely with the LMSC as servicing officer. He can be contacted via email at phil.mcpherson@naht.org.uk.

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