Yes we agree you can cross the Threshold but you can't have it cos we're skint (independent school)

[littlecupcake]

Hi all,

Having chased the governors twice about my threshold application which I submitted in the middle of July, I finally heard back from them this evening. The email went something like this:

We had a meeting and I forgot to let you know the outcome. Sorry about that. We agree that you meet the standards but we are skint so we can't afford to pay what you are worth but we are happy for you to work your socks off for us at the lower rate of pay We also want someone in addition to the Head Teacher to assess your application but there is nobody to do this at the moment because she has left but we might be able to find someone by the time you return from maternity leave in the next academic year. Please tell me how to proceed with your application. From HaventGotAaClueWhatImDoing

Has anyone got any experience of crossing the threshold in an independent school? Can they agree and then refuse to pay? I should point out I'm on a 0.4 contract, currently on maternity leave. I have a feeling that they have looked at the pay scales and made their decision based on full time pay, and didn't know how to forgotten to pro rata it.

Also, they have agreed, and the Head has agreed to the application, but they don't have anyone t verify it. Is it reasonable that they say they'll look at the application again next year? In other words, we dragged our heels, no there's nobody to review the application, so tough luck, you miss out this year (my understanding is that if I were successful in this application that the pay would be backdated to 1st September, when I was still on 90% of my salary, so it would make a difference to the amount of pay I receive).

Thanks so much for your help. Glad I don't have to go into work, I'm livid, don't think I could trust myself not to rant!!

They don't have to offer UPS or TLR.

If you are not happy with the pay scale, you are free to look elsewhere. If the school has no money, they can't pay you more.

I was under the impression private schools could set their own pay scales.

Seems like this will be the way for all schools soon. No help to you, sorry.

I've been post threshold for 11 years. Have just started back on M6 in an academy school as nobody else would employ me.

Independent schools can set any T&C they like.

If you no longer find them acceptable, then your only real option is to leave.

Sounds appalling, but yes they can do this to you. Unless there is something in your specific contract/T&Cs that prevents them.

I would be suspicious of any independent school paying or working with the national scales. They don't usually. Smaller skint independent schools can pay appallingly. It's a myth that you are always better off in the independent sector.

Find a new Indy- some are fantastic!