NAHT has long championed the issue of fair pay for school leaders, drawing attention to the widening gap between their responsibilities and the financial rewards they receive.

In the latest feature for Leadership Focus magazine, NAHT head of policy (professional) Ian Hartwright delves into the ongoing pay challenges faced by school leaders and the broader impact these challenges have on the profession.

While the recent 5.5% pay rise is a positive step, Ian explains it only partially addresses the 20% real-term pay decline school leaders have faced over the past 14 years and how it is just the first step in restoring pay competitiveness and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the profession.

Drawing on recent research from the School Teachers’ Review Body (STRB), the article highlights how the pay for teaching professionals, particularly in primary school leadership, has fallen behind comparable roles in other sectors.

Looking ahead, NAHT continues to advocate for a more strategic approach to pay, focusing on long-term improvements, better career pathways and innovative incentives to make teaching a more attractive and sustainable career choice. This feature examines how these changes, both in pay and support, are critical to the future of school leadership.

If you’re interested in understanding how the pay debate is evolving, this article provides valuable insights into the broader movement for fairer compensation for school leaders.

You can read the full magazine here.