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School Teacher Review Body (STRB) Synopsis

The UK government has submitted evidence to the STRB outlining its proposal for teachers pay for the 2025/26 academic year. The Secretary of State’s letter highlights the ongoing strain between balancing fiscal constraints and addressing workforce challenges such as retention, workload, and morale. 

Key Proposals

  • Pay Award: The DfE has proposed within their evidence that an increase of 2.8% is appropriate, following the cumulative increases of 21% over the past four years. The evidence emphasises the importance of retaining high-quality teachers whilst recognising the challenges of the national economic context.
  • Support Staff Pay: Although the 2.8% proposal applies only to teachers, the DfE anticipates schools will also plan for support staff pay awards. The proposed reinstatement of the School Support Staff Negotiating Body is expected to align the pay award processes for support staff more closely with those established for teachers.
  • Funding: Schools are expected to pay to fund the proposed pay award using the additional £2.3 billion allocated in the Autumn budget, alongside existing school funds, essentially meaning that that the pay award will not be fully funded. Schools and trusts will need to re-prioritise budgets. The Government reminds schools of existing and new provisions such as energy contract advice, banking and procurement processes.
  • Wellbeing and Inclusion: The evidence also highlights the need to focus on teaching being an inclusive workplace with attention on flexible working and support for teachers from diverse background.

Further reading and key information: 

The Education Hub: Teachers Pay: What does the pay evidence mean for schools? 

Policy Paper: Evidence to the STRB:2025 Pay Award for teachers and leaders 

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