Commenting as the government issues its remit letter for the School Teachers’ Review Body, indicating they should look at evidence for a multi-year pay deal for teachers and school leaders, as well as reviewing their working hours, Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“It is welcome that the government are looking at a two-year remit for teacher and school leader pay. A longer term settlement would improve pay transparency for professionals as well as providing more clarity and stability to school leaders in setting budgets.

“However, as always, the precise figures will be key when it comes to the sector’s response. A sufficient investment in pay as well as a long term one is needed. It remains vital that the government continue to work towards pay restoration for school staff after the past decade of erosion – we hope to see that is what the government intends to do over the two years.

“It is also positive that the STRB will be asked to look carefully at teachers’ and leaders' working hours. Excessive workload is a significant driver of people leaving the profession and tackling it is key to improving recruitment and retention.

“We look forward to submitting evidence on behalf of school leaders.”