To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will hold discussions with education sector trades unions on the provision of funding for (a) an above-inflation pay rise for staff in that sector and (b) increased levels of staffing in the 2024-25 financial year.

Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.

Teachers’ and leaders’ pay in England is set based on recommendations from the independent School Teachers’ Review Body. Last year, after following this process, the government announced the largest pay award in three decades, which shows that the department is delivering for teachers. Over the last two years, teachers and leaders have seen pay increases of more than 12% on average. The government also met its manifesto commitment for at least £30,000 starting salaries for teachers across the country.

There are 468,400 teachers in full time employment in England, which is an increase of 2,800 since last year and an increase of 27,000 since 2010 when the school workforce census began.

The department also continues to work closely with trade unions on the issues that matter to the sector, from workload to recruitment and retention.