March 2020 update: NAHT has received a response from the ESFA following our correspondence with them pressing for a correction to a letter sent to trustees back in October 2019 on 'high' executive leader pay.  

As outlined below, NAHT was concerned that some of the statements were misleading and provided incorrect information. The ESFA has now confirmed that it has sent further information to the Trustees and agreed to meet with NAHT to discuss the matter further. As part of these discussions, we will continue to make the case that conflating pension contributions and pay is unhelpful and inappropriate. 

Following concerns from our members, NAHT has written to Eileen Milner, CEO of the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), to press for a correction to a letter sent to trustees back in October 2019, which focused on 'high' executive leader pay.

NAHT was extremely concerned that the information in the letter, particularly in relation to the Teachers' Pension Scheme, could be misinterpreted by governors and trustees.

The letter suggested that "employees participating in the Teachers' Pension Scheme will have benefited from a rise in employer contributions of some 42% from 1 September 2019... This alone is equivalent to a 7% pay rise, double that awarded last year to teaching staff."

Given the misleading nature and some of the incorrect statements included in parts of the letter, NAHT is pressing for a correction to the letter, to advise governing boards accordingly.

NAHT will keep members updated on the progress of this issue, as and when we receive a response. 

You can access NAHT's full response to the letters at the bottom of the page. Members will need to log in to view this document. 

First published 21 November 2019