Paying headteachers above the headteacher group

There are 2 ways for headteachers employed under the STPCD to be paid above the headteacher group. Learn how this works, including the limits you need to keep to.

Last reviewed on 31 October 2022
School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 32042
Contents
  1. Your school can decide to pay above the group range
  2. 1. Setting the pay range above the headteacher group
  3. 2. Granting temporary payments
  4. Cap increase at 25% above the group range except in 'exceptional circumstances'

Your school can decide to pay above the group range

There are 2 ways that headteachers employed under the School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD) can be paid more than their headteacher group range:

  1. Setting their pay range above the headteacher group range
  2. Temporary additional payments

The 'relevant body' is ultimately responsible for decisions on leadership pay. The 'relevant body' is usually the governing board in maintained schools. In academies, it may be either the board of trustees or local governing body, so check your scheme of delegation to make sure.

The STPCD applies to: 

  • Headteachers in maintained schools
  • Headteachers whose employment transferred to an academy at the point of conversion

Academies can set their own pay and conditions for new staff, or renegotiate for existing staff, but they may choose to follow the STPCD.

If your school doesn't follow the STPCD, consult your contracts and pay policies for details of how leadership pay should be determined.

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