Headteachers: Labour Turnover

Headteachers and leaders are central to driving improvement in schools and ensuring all children achieve and thrive no matter where they are in the country. To attract and support the best headteachers to stay in the areas that need them most, the department announced a new place-based headteacher retention incentive pilot in the ‘Every child achieving and thriving’ Schools White Paper. We will invest £1 million each year starting next year to support newly appointed headteachers with an annual retention payment of up to £15,000 in areas where retention is particularly difficult.

The department is currently analysing available data to further develop the policy and ensure the pilot is targeted in areas of highest need. As part of our policy development, we are working with key stakeholders, including school leaders, on the scope and design of the pilot.