February's education snapshot

Reflecting on the past month, as part of February’s snapshot, keep up with the latest sector developments. 

Teachers Pensions updates

Planning to retire?

1. Teachers Pensions recently announced that any teacher looking to retire who has been impacted by the transitional protection arrangements needs to start the application process 6 months before they plan to retire.
2. The management of transitional protection means that applications will take longer to process so shouldn't be left until the last minute. For example, colleagues looking to retire at the end of August 2024 need to start their application process now.
3. Follow this link for information about members affected by transitional protection
   
   

Teachers Pensions contribution rates

1. From 1 April, there will be changes to both the employers contribution rate (increasing to 28.68%) and new employees contribution bandings. Find more details here.

Performance Related Pay (PRP)

Following the DfE's initial recommendations around Performance Related Pay (PRP) for teachers in January 2024, which supported a formal commitment to consult on its removal in time for the 2024/25 academic year, the LGA has provided an update. This aims to provide some initial clarification about the proposals.

Key points are:

• Changes will not affect the current academic year, so pay progression decisions prior to 1 September 2025 will be based on existing arrangements.
• Schools may choose to retain PRP, but it will not be statutory, giving them “the flexibility to set objectives and revise their pay policies and guidance in anticipation of the removal of PRP”, effective 1 September 2025.
• Schools will still be required to appraise teachers against the relevant standards and their set objectives, but it is likely that “the guidance will be adapted and will encourage schools to have a qualitative and developmental approach to the standards and objectives.”

The LGA’s final statement is perhaps less clear: “automatic progression is not expected to replace PRP.” With no further information at this stage, schools and academies who follow the STPCD will need to 'watch this space' or, at the very least, consider how these changes may impact their appraisal and pay policies and procedures.

Teaching regulation agency

There are upcoming changes to the way the Teaching Regulation Agency will run it’s online Employer Access portal from April 2024. To understand the latest changes, read our blog and stay one step ahead in your safer recruitment practices.

Best practices for organic trust growth

There are many paths to growing and developing a strong MAT. Carrying out a Central Services Review can help position your Trust for organic growth and establish the right foundations for future development. Read our guide to central service reviews here.

Our MAT Development Team can support your Trust with conducting a Central Service Review – contact us today for an objective analysis of your Trusts practices.

Get ready for our new Breakfast Roundtable sessions

We're gearing up for a number of School Leader roundtable sessions this year - bringing together likeminded people to share perspectives and insights on a number of topics affecting the sector. Learn more and register your interest here.

If you’re looking for advice and guidance about any of the topics raised above or would like to learn more about our range of services and relevant training, please talk to us.