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Multi-academy Trusts: Recruitment

Original answer

The department wants the highest-quality leaders in our schools. However, executive remuneration must demonstrate clear value for money for pupils and parents and remain proportionate to that of individuals undertaking comparable roles in other parts of the public sector.

The evidence shows that, in some cases, executive pay has risen disproportionately compared with the pay of teachers and comparable public sector leaders. That is why the department is taking action to limit pay increases, ensuring that levels of pay and progression are fair, proportionate and aligned to wider public sector pay principles. Tighter controls will mean unjustifiable executive salaries become a thing of the past, helping level the playing field for school staff and drive every pound towards classrooms

The approach reflects a fair and proportionate expectation that higher levels of remuneration should be subject to increased scrutiny, while recognising the size of large academy trusts may warrant remuneration in excess of £174,000.

The answer was corrected by Georgia Gould (Labour)

on Monday, 24 August 2026 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Corrected answer

The department wants the highest-quality leaders in our schools. However, executive remuneration must demonstrate clear value for money for pupils and parents and remain proportionate to that of individuals undertaking comparable roles in other parts of the public sector.

The evidence shows that, in some cases, executive pay has risen disproportionately compared with the pay of teachers and comparable public sector leaders. That is why the department is taking action to limit pay increases, ensuring that levels of pay and progression are fair, proportionate and aligned to wider public sector pay principles. Tighter controls will mean unjustifiable executive salaries become a thing of the past, helping level the playing field for school staff and drive every pound towards classrooms

The approach reflects a fair and proportionate expectation that higher levels of remuneration should be subject to increased scrutiny, while recognising the size of large academy trusts. may warrant remuneration in excess of £174,000.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

15514

Session

2026-27

Subjects

Recruitment Managers Multi-academy trusts

Link

View this Written question on www.parliament.uk