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Details of executive pay changes published

News
30/09/2026

In July, we commented on the government’s announcement of new measures to curb excessive executive pay in multi-academy trusts. The Academy Trust Handbook, codified this with new measures to ensure any salary above £174,000 requires Department approval; limit bonuses without approval to below £25,000; and ensure executive pay cannot rise faster than teachers.

We welcomed the changes as a “necessary first step”, while identifying opportunities for the government to go further. We also identified the need for further clarity on how the changes will be implemented. This additional guidance was originally promised before September, but was delayed to this month alongside a delay in the Trust Handbook taking effect until tomorrow (1 October).

This further information has now been published, just two days before it takes effect. While such short notice is unfortunate, we do welcome the additional information.

Some details about how trusts should apply the new pay controls remain unclear. We are listening carefully to members’ questions and concerns and will continue to work with the DfE to ensure trust boards have the clarity and guidance they need to implement the changes effectively.

Our executive pay guidance, published today, covers:

  • why getting executive pay right is important
  • official guidance on setting executive pay and the new controls
  • key considerations to ensure executive pay is set at an appropriate and justifiable level

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