Asking for last min change of ECT contract - appropriate?

eixov · 2025-07-17T21:10:52+00:00

I just finished my PGCE, and have signed an ECT contract starting at a new school in 1st Sept 2025. There was a 2 week induction recently - I didn't manage to attend all of this due to schedule clashes, only half of it. When I asked, I've been told I will be paid for the days I've attended. I plan to relocate from inner London to outer London (Uxbridge) over the summer holidays. But unfortunately many referencing agencies won't accept now due to my contract not having started yet. However, I found out another ECT asked for their contract to start July 2025, which means they will be paid over the summer holidays. (I didn't ask, I just went with what they offered.) Would it be appropriate to explain this situation to the school, and ask for my contract to be changed to start July 2025, right at the end of term? Even though I didn't attend the whole 2 week induction? Obviously the extra money would help for rent etc. over the holidays too. Any advice appreciated!

BoleynMemories13 · 17/07/2025 22:19

Budgets are so tight now, it would be incredibly cheeky to ask to be paid before you've actually started with them and I can't imagine many schools agreeing to it. Also, they'd have to make a permanent change going forward if they did, as it would be unfair to treat you differently to any other new employees. Personally I wouldn't even ask, as I wouldn't want to sour the relationship from the start, but obviously it's up to you. It's a shame you're finding this an issue. If you've signed a contract, the start date shouldn't matter.

Original poster

eixov · 17/07/2025 22:47

BoleynMemories13 · 17/07/2025 22:19

Budgets are so tight now, it would be incredibly cheeky to ask to be paid before you've actually started with them and I can't imagine many schools agreeing to it. Also, they'd have to make a permanent change going forward if they did, as it would be unfair to treat you differently to any other new employees. Personally I wouldn't even ask, as I wouldn't want to sour the relationship from the start, but obviously it's up to you. It's a shame you're finding this an issue. If you've signed a contract, the start date shouldn't matter.

Here's the thing though, another ECT asked for their contract to start in July, and was successful - he will be getting paid over the holidays, and I won't be.

Yes, it does seem cheeky to ask at this point, esp. as I didn't attend a full 2 week induction. However, moving house is expensive. Plus the other ECT managed to get it so... is it cheeky of me to ask? Or is it cheeky of the school?

OP posts:

BoleynMemories13 · 17/07/2025 23:58

eixov · 17/07/2025 22:47

Here's the thing though, another ECT asked for their contract to start in July, and was successful - he will be getting paid over the holidays, and I won't be.

Yes, it does seem cheeky to ask at this point, esp. as I didn't attend a full 2 week induction. However, moving house is expensive. Plus the other ECT managed to get it so... is it cheeky of me to ask? Or is it cheeky of the school?

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Sorry, I think I misunderstood. I assumed you meant just another ECT you know, who is starting at a different school. It does seem odd they're not treating you both the same, if you're both ECTs starting at the same school, but it would only be cheeky of the school if you got your contact t's definitely cheeky to ask, the other ECT was very cheeky to ask (and very lucky). I'm assuming he's at a different school? The only way it would be cheeky

BoleynMemories13 · 18/07/2025 00:06

Sorry I pressed enter before I meant to, mid edit. Basically, I think your colleague is cheeky as hell to ask to be paid for doing nothing!

Original poster

eixov · 18/07/2025 02:21

BoleynMemories13 · 17/07/2025 23:58

Sorry, I think I misunderstood. I assumed you meant just another ECT you know, who is starting at a different school. It does seem odd they're not treating you both the same, if you're both ECTs starting at the same school, but it would only be cheeky of the school if you got your contact t's definitely cheeky to ask, the other ECT was very cheeky to ask (and very lucky). I'm assuming he's at a different school? The only way it would be cheeky

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Yep, this ECT is at the exact same school!
The only difference is he attended the full 2 week induction, and I didn't (I only attended half of it due to scheduling clashes).

Hmm. So I guess, I should ask? Now I have to think about how... I feel like I'm begging for some reason lol!

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CromartyForth · 18/07/2025 05:24

Hi @eixov It isn't especially uncommon for ECTs in subjects/schools where recruitment is difficult to be paid over the summer. Is the other ECT in a shortage subject such as maths or Computer Science, whereas you (for example) teach PE?

I do think, however, that the ship has sailed here. You didn't attend all of the induction; schools are about to break up; budgets are unbelievably tight; you signed a contract in good faith. Your only argument is a lack of fairness, which they could explain away as a recruitment bonus.

It's not a promising sign that the school is willing to treat staff differently, so if you are not already in a union, join one as a matter of urgency. Log off Mumsnet and do it right now!

ThesebeautifulthingsthatIvegot · 18/07/2025 06:41

From the school's perspective -:
You've agreed to the role starting from September.
You won't be working between now and September.
They have set budgets based on expecting you to start in September.
Therefore they have nothing to gain from changing your contract.

The ship has sailed on asking. The time to negotiate a contract is before it starts. I don't think that the school has done anything wrong here.

Original poster

eixov · 18/07/2025 09:38

CromartyForth · 18/07/2025 05:24

Hi @eixov It isn't especially uncommon for ECTs in subjects/schools where recruitment is difficult to be paid over the summer. Is the other ECT in a shortage subject such as maths or Computer Science, whereas you (for example) teach PE?

I do think, however, that the ship has sailed here. You didn't attend all of the induction; schools are about to break up; budgets are unbelievably tight; you signed a contract in good faith. Your only argument is a lack of fairness, which they could explain away as a recruitment bonus.

It's not a promising sign that the school is willing to treat staff differently, so if you are not already in a union, join one as a matter of urgency. Log off Mumsnet and do it right now!

The other ECT is a Maths teacher, I'm teaching D&T and some Art too.

Thanks for reading and the advice! I think fairness and perhaps me relocating closer is the only excuse I have. The time has passed, so I will leave it - and be sure to remember to ask ahead next time!

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Original poster

eixov · 18/07/2025 12:07

PS. Yes I'm with a Union! Hoping to not use them until it's absolutely necessary! Will definitely keep an eye on things like a hawk after this experience. :/

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Fifthtimelucky · 18/07/2025 15:45

I wouldn’t be surprised if the new maths teacher was actually teaching in July, as well as doing the induction period.

When a friend of mine qualified as an English teacher she started her contract as soon as she had finished her PGCE, which I think was at the end of June, but she was expected to teach until the end of term.

CromartyForth · 19/07/2025 12:38

I'm delighted to hear that you are in a union @eixov . You will not be surprised to hear that I am the rep at my school <waves red flag>. I know it becomes quite expensive once the ECT discounts end, but think of it as insurance for the day when - not if - you need the union's help.