Fight for pay and conditions

ASCL has called for an increased pay differential between the highest paid classroom teacher and qualified teachers who are on the leadership team. We made the case for higher differentials as part of the evidence submitted in July to the review of school leaders pay and conditions, being conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers.

We have argued in the evidence that the comparator for the lowest paid member of the leadership team should be the highest paid classroom teacher's pay, based on any allowances plus UPS3.

ASCL has also made the case that the same pay diferential should exist for non-teaching staff on the leadership team.

"The responsibilities of school leaders have increased greatly at the same time as their jobs have become much more vulnerable. If sufficient numbers are to be recruited, there has to be new thinking about pay, conditions and accountability," said Past President Sue Kirkham.

Increasing differentials is one of 20 recommendations that ASCL put forward to improve the working conditions and benefits of school leaders.

The association has also called for additional safeguards and better exit packages for those taking on high risk schools. The leadership group, and heads in particular, are increasingly vulnerable when schools 'do not make sufficient progress'.

Senior staff should be entitled to a sabbatical, such as a term of study leave, after five years in post as an incentive to stay longer in the same school in order to bring about permanent improvement.

In its evidence, ASCL also said that, as more schools offer extended provision and have non-teaching staff in senior leadership positions, it stands to reason that in the future the top job should not be limited to those with qualified teacher status.

John Dunford said: "We are very definitely not saying that business leaders can be parachuted in to lead schools, but that people with the right leadership qualities and experience should be eligible for the top job. What is important is whether a person is a good school leader."

To read the full evidence submitted to the review, go to www.ascl.org.uk and click on 'Members' area' and 'Consultations'.