NAHT Cymru criticises Welsh Government for ignoring teacher pay review

NAHT Cymru has criticised the Welsh Government's decision not to implement in full the recommendation of the Independent Welsh Pay Review Body - warning that the move undermines confidence in the independence of the process and sends the wrong message to a profession already facing unprecedented challenges.

The union said the decision raises fundamental questions about the value of an independent review body if its evidence-based recommendations can be ignored when they do not align with ministerial preferences.

It was revealed today that the review body had recommended a 4.25% pay increase for teachers and school leaders for 2026/27 - but the Welsh Government's education minister said in a written statement this morning that she would instead consult on a 3.5% rise.

Rob Kelsall, NAHT's assistant general secretary, said: "The Welsh Government's decision to depart from the recommendation of the Independent Welsh Pay Review Body is deeply disappointing and fundamentally wrong-headed.

"The review body was established to provide independent, expert advice based on the evidence presented to it about recruitment, retention, workload and the wider challenges facing the education workforce. If ministers are prepared to disregard that advice when it becomes inconvenient, then it is entirely reasonable to ask what the purpose of the process is.

"You cannot claim to value independent scrutiny while ignoring the conclusions of the independent body you established to provide it. Doing so undermines confidence in the integrity of the system and risks reducing the entire process to little more than a political exercise.

"School leaders and teachers have every right to expect that the evidence they submit will be considered seriously and that the recommendations reached independently will carry genuine weight. If the Welsh Government believes the independent review body has got it wrong, it should explain why. Simply setting aside its recommendation damages trust and raises serious questions about the credibility of future pay reviews.

"At a time when schools are facing significant recruitment and retention difficulties, this is precisely the wrong signal to send to the profession."

NAHT Cymru also warned that the pressures facing schools extend far beyond pay, highlighting what it described as a growing crisis in additional learning needs (ALN) provision.

Mr Kelsall said: "The reality facing schools is that we are experiencing a perfect storm. Demand for ALN support continues to grow, the complexity of need is increasing, schools are facing workforce pressures, and years of chronic underfunding have left provision stretched to breaking point.

"Supporting some of Wales's most vulnerable children and young people is becoming increasingly unsustainable. School leaders are committed to ensuring every child receives the support they need, but goodwill and dedication alone cannot compensate for a lack of investment.

"For too long, schools have been expected to absorb additional responsibilities without the resources necessary to deliver them. The gap between policy ambition and the funding available to deliver it continues to widen.

"NAHT Cymru has consistently argued that at least £100M of additional investment is needed if we are to begin addressing the scale of the challenge facing learners with additional learning needs and the schools supporting them. The figures currently being discussed fall well short of what is required.

"Without substantial investment, there is a very real risk that the system will become increasingly unable to meet the needs of the very children it exists to support. That should concern everyone.

"We are also concerned by proposals to split funding equally between local authorities and schools. School leaders have seen too many instances where funding intended for frontline support fails to reach the children and young people for whom it was intended.

"Any additional investment must be transparent, accountable and directed to where it can have the greatest impact. Schools are best placed to identify need and provide support quickly and effectively."

Mr Kelsall concluded: "School leaders across Wales continue to shoulder extraordinary responsibilities. They are managing increasing levels of need, supporting their staff and communities, and striving to deliver the best possible education despite years of underfunding and growing demands.

"The Welsh Government's decision to override the recommendation of its own independent review body, while continuing to underfund critical areas such as ALN provision, risks further eroding confidence in the profession and the wider education system.

"Wales needs policies that are driven by evidence, not convenience. It needs investment that matches the scale of the challenges facing schools. Most importantly, it needs a government willing to listen when independent experts and education professionals tell it that the current approach is not sustainable."

Paul Whiteman, NAHT’s general secretary, added: "Yet again the education of young people in Wales appears to be of peripheral importance to the Welsh Government.

"Consistently diverting funds earmarked for education away from schools and now deliberately underpaying the very professionals that equip and inspire the next generation for the challenges of the future is a reckless recipe for disaster.

"We will now consult members on next actions and the NAHT will do whatever is appropriate to defend the education of young people and the rights of those that deliver it."

NAHT represents more than 38,000 school leaders in early years, primary, secondary and special schools, making us the largest association for school leaders in the UK - representing, advising and training school leaders in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Anna Brychan MS, Welsh Government Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language stated: “Before the end of term, I would like to update members and our education workforce on the pay award for teachers and post 16 practitioners in colleges.

“When schools return in September, I will consult on a 3.5% pay award for teachers and school leaders. In light of concerns raised by partners outside the pay review process, I will also consult on a 5% increase for unqualified teachers.

“I will provide additional funding to local authorities and schools for this pay award. I will also provide additional funding to Medr to maintain pay parity for post-16 practitioners in schools and colleges.

“I am also publishing the Independent Welsh Pay Review Body’s (IWPRB) report today. I have carefully considered the IWPRB recommendation that all salaries and allowances be increased by 4.25% from September 2026. I have also received representations that any pay award should be fully funded.

“I am mindful of the difficult financial circumstances affecting schools and colleges and the implications that unfunded pay awards would have on budgets and staff numbers. The IWPRB recommendation is not affordable within existing budgets. In coming to my decision, I have had to balance the available budget and recognising and rewarding our workforce.

“The report also sets out other recommendations which I will continue to consider over the summer. In the meantime, I am pleased to be able to confirm today that I will also consult on implementing two of the IWPRB’s previous recommendations.

“In the future I intend to start the process for considering pay awards earlier so that they can be agreed and communicated more promptly.

“I will also commit funding to support doubling the current period for which teachers’ get full pay during maternity leave, should local authorities and unions agree to make this change through teachers’ contracts of employment,” she added.