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Staff pay in maintained schools

Learn how the governing body fulfils its responsibilities for setting and monitoring pay.

Guidance
23/05/2025
school-environment pupils learning in a classroom

The governing body in a maintained school has ultimate responsibility for pay decisions and must comply with statutory requirements set out in the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD). This is irrespective of whether the governing body is the legal employer or is exercising employer responsibility on behalf of the local authority (LA).

This guidance sets out the responsibilities that governing bodies may have for staff pay. NGA recommends delegating these to a committee; either to a dedicated pay/remuneration committee or to another appropriate committee such as finance or resources, depending on the governance structure and workload implications. This should be set out in the relevant terms of reference.

Download our guidance to learn more about:

  • Approving the pay policy
  • Headteacher pay
  • Pay progression for other staff
  • Overseeing staff pay and appraisal
  • Managing appeals

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