School leaders union NAHT NI has today received a formal pay offer from the Management Side of the Teachers’ Negotiating Committee (TNC) for the 2025/26 academic year.

The proposal sets out a 4% cost-of-living increase for all teachers and school leaders, effective from 1 September 2025. This uplift would apply across all pay points and allowances, including substitute teachers and the full leadership pay framework.

Dr Graham Gault, NAHT national secretary (NI), said: "We welcome the receipt of this formal offer, which represents the maximum level of funding secured by the minister from the Northern Ireland Executive.

"In relation to pay, our priority now is to ensure that members have their say through a full consultation process."

Joanne Whyte, NAHT president, added: "Teachers and school leaders deserve recognition for their vital role in shaping the future of our children and communities.

"This offer will now be considered carefully by our members. Alongside pay, we remain committed to tackling workload, and we believe the Independent Workload Panel’s recommendations provide a strong foundation for meaningful progress."

NAHT will launch a member consultation at 9am on Thursday 8 January, running until 5pm on Monday 12 January, to gather views on the offer.