Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said: “The 6.5% pay rise suggested by the government for the next three years would be a real-terms pay cut for teachers and leaders if inflation and average earnings across the wider economy rise as predicted.

“While the government have – over the last few pay awards – arrested the severe decline in school leader and teacher salaries, there remains much to be done in order to make teaching a really attractive proposition for graduates, retain serving professionals and improve leadership aspiration. Pay is a key part of that proposition, and salaries are still worth 16% less now than they were 15 years ago.

“Great schools rely on great teachers and leaders. All the government’s ambitions – from improving literacy, to tackling child poverty, to SEND inclusion – none of them can be realised without skilled experienced professionals showing up for pupils every day.

“NAHT’s evidence to the review body sets out why the government must put equal focus on delivering this fundamental requirement by investing in teachers and school leaders, reversing the real terms pay erosion of the last government, and making teaching a sustainable long-term career for the best of the best to want to enter and stay in.”