Teachers across England are preparing for further industrial action after overwhelmingly rejecting the government’s latest pay offer. The National Education Union (NEU) recently held a preliminary ballot in which more than 93% of participating members voted to reject the proposed 2.8% pay rise for 2025–26. Over 83% also indicated their willingness to support strike action if no improved offer is made.
Union leaders say the proposed increase is not only below inflation but also unfunded — meaning schools would be forced to find the money from existing budgets, already stretched by rising costs and increased pupil numbers. Many headteachers have expressed concern that accepting the deal would require cutting vital services or staff, further compromising the quality of education.
The current offer follows years of below-inflation pay rises for educators, which unions argue have contributed to a deepening recruitment and retention crisis. According to government data, more than a third of teachers leave the profession within five years of qualifying, while applications for teacher training continue to fall. The situation is particularly acute in core subjects like maths, physics, and computer science, as well as in disadvantaged areas where staffing challenges are most severe.
The NEU and other unions have repeatedly called for a fully funded, above-inflation pay deal that recognises the expertise, dedication and increasing demands placed on teachers. In their view, the government's current approach does little to reverse the erosion of teacher morale and fails to address the workload pressures that have driven many out of the profession altogether.
Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary of the NEU, said: “The government must stop expecting schools to do more with less. This pay offer is not just inadequate — it is irresponsible. If ministers are serious about improving outcomes for young people, they need to invest in the people who teach them.”
There are wider concerns that the pay dispute is symptomatic of deeper issues within the education system. Schools across the country are reporting increased rates of absenteeism, rising pupil needs, and a shortage of support staff. At the same time, Ofsted inspections, curriculum demands and administrative tasks continue to place additional strain on teaching staff.
Support for industrial action appears to be strong among parents and the public. A recent YouGov poll showed that over 60% of respondents sympathised with teachers’ calls for better pay and working conditions, especially after the pressures they faced during the pandemic. The same poll revealed frustration with the government’s handling of the education sector, with many calling for a comprehensive long-term plan rather than short-term offers.
In response to the ballot, the Department for Education said it values teachers and has invested in recruitment bursaries, fast-track training schemes, and workload reduction initiatives. A spokesperson said: “We recognise the incredible work teachers do and are committed to ensuring they are supported. Our offer is fair and balanced within the current economic climate.”
However, education unions have argued that while recruitment incentives may help in the short term, they do little to retain experienced teachers — many of whom are leaving due to stress, unmanageable workloads, and a perceived lack of respect for the profession.
Formal strike ballots are expected to begin later this term. If the vote to strike is confirmed, walkouts could take place before the end of the academic year, causing widespread disruption in schools. Union officials say they will aim to minimise impact on pupils and parents, but insist that action is necessary to secure long-term investment in education.
Beyond the pay dispute, unions are also calling for a broader review of education funding, including support for mental health services, special educational needs provision, and improved conditions for teaching assistants and school support staff. Many believe that strike action could become a catalyst for more fundamental conversations about the role, value and future of education in the UK.
With tensions rising and little sign of compromise, all eyes are now on the government’s next move. Teachers, parents and school leaders are calling for meaningful engagement — not just headline figures. For now, the profession is preparing to stand firm in its call for a fairer deal.