Independent sector pay negotiation

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I’ve applied for my first role in a private school. Interview next week. I am aware that the school has its own pay scale and that needs to be negotiated, but I don’t know at what point to bring it up? Would that conversation happen after an offer is made rather than in the ‘any questions?’ bit if the interview? Or if you don’t state expectations up from would it be a problem later. If anyone has any tips or advice, thanks!

Typos! Sorry!

I work in an independent school - the negotiation came after the job offer. I would definitely not bring it up at interview, especially in the current climate. Lots of people looking for jobs means that there will always be someone willing to go lower. Convince them they must hire you (and no-one else) first.

@rillette Thanks! I’m worried about possible pay drop from state, but you’re right I need to get it first! I’m worrying ahead of time! Do you prefer private?

Private schools are not offering a 3 percent pay rise this year. The bursar will have set a budget.

The area to be concerned about is whether or not they are staying in the TPS. Some private schools are now saying that the TPS is unaffordable and about 90 have pulled out so far. I would argue that TPS membership is valuable.

However I do get smaller class sizes and more holidays but the trade off is a longer school day and the expectation to run clubs.

Thanks @StaffAssociationRepresentative The TPS is part of the package but I didn’t know about no private schools giving pay rise. I suppose it’s a give and take situation but I have been surprised by how much less the salaries on offer are compared to the UPS pay level in state.

You need to be really clear about TPS.

Yes, it is in the package at the moment but they can (and do) pull out of the TPS. Staff at my school are just about to fight to stay in the TPS.

I agree that private schools have fallen behind state schools when you look at the UPS scales and TLR allowances.

Some private schools have not given a pay rise this year and some only 1%. I dont know of a private school that has matched the state school sector locally to me.

@StaffAssociationRepresentative Thanks again. I need to be very careful. A slight pay loss to escape OFSTED is one thing, but I cannot also afford to not be in the TPS. The working days are a lot longer and there is a commitment for clubs I can see on the job spec. I suppose enough teachers are willing to sacrifice the pay and pension, to staff these school. Just shows how horrendous conditions are in some state sector schools right now. Thanks for your help.

A lot pay in line with state schools. I doubt you will be able to negotiate anything much in the current climate. Pay freezes and more contact time are quite common at the moment - Quite a few parents are struggling to pay fees already and this is likely to get worse.

@Qqwweerrtty Interesting. Thanks for the insight. If the pay was the same where I am I wouldn’t hesitate. I’ll see how the school feels next week. If pay and pension don’t match where I am, I can’t really consider a move. Maybe people who work in these lower paying private schools are already affluent. A shame really because it’s an economic barrier for teachers like me. But that’s the nature of the sector I suppose. Good for me to think this through. Thanks

There are quite a few economic barriers when it comes to private schools but not really for the teachers. Presumably they asked what your current pay is on your application form and they will base it on this. Good luck with the interview.

@Qqwweerrtty They did, yes. They have their own salary system which is about £4K less per annum than state. At this particular school. Evidently wrongly, I assumed this was representative of the whole sector so I need to do more research. I have a strong academic record and good experience so I feel fairly confident about the interview but the money is a concern. I’d love to teach somewhere with a budget for resources and smaller class sizes! Not being able to afford a pay cut or to lose the teachers’ pension scheme is what I meant by economic barrier. Just from a teacher’s perspective. Of course there are enormous economic barriers for most families, it’s grossly unfair, I would never down-play that. Thanks so much!

£4k less per annum is lower than I would expect but it may be a reflection of the economic climate. It may be worth trying to negotiate more depending on your subject. Good maths teachers are in high demand!

Many independent schools pay far more too and as they have their own income give rises. Also the school I work in I pay in 6.25% of my salary into a pension and they pay in 13.75%, free lunches, tea/coffee and biscuits, free gym and now free Covid tests with same day results. Maybe look at some other indies before going for one that does not sound as financially secure.

You need to find out about number on role and are they financially viable. A lot of private schools expect a great deal of marketing - running taster days for year 5, open days, drama events, feeder school events. Check on this because they do expect a lot on this front. There are a lot of small private schools which are teetering on the brink of viability so if primary - how many in each year group, two form or one form per year group. If it is one form entry with only arounf 13 kids in then that is squeeky finance wise. If secondary it must be at least two form, preferablly three or four form entry. What are numbers in sixth form. Are they selective or take anything. If the latter then 'anything' really does mean that and you don't have access to services like state so one to one, Ed Psych, SALT all is reliant on parents paying and if parents can't or, more likely, won't accept that their child has a difficulty but they are paying so think you need to deliver an A grade, things are tricky.

Also, private schools have a habit, during the interview, of springing on boarding or evening or weekend duties at a moment's notice. I went to one where they sprung on me that everyone was expected to stay for Thursday chapel at 7.30!

They do want their pound of flesh and parents are customers and frankly pandered to - especially if numbers are low and they are recruiting. Do your research on the catchment. Who are the competitors? Be very wary of a husband and wife team running a school.

Oh and ISI inspections are getting more Ofsteady.

We've had a 2% pay rise this year