Public Sector Salaries: Performance link in class is shelved: The Teachers

PERFORMANCE related pay for classroom teachers will be shelved for another year, the School Teacher Review Body said last night, writes Fran Abrams.

By then it would be ready to act on the findings of its feasibility study on the idea, which has proved unpopular with schools. Some have dropped out of a voluntary scheme to reward teachers for their achievements.

The 2.9 per cent rise will be paid to all teachers, heads and deputies. Accepting the recommendations John Patten, Secretary of State for Education, said: 'The review body has said that its recommendations would both acknowledge teachers' achievements and provide a reward structure which will help sustain their efforts. I agree with them.'

The award received mixed reactions from teachers' representatives last night, with some saying it could mean larger classes. David Hart, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, said: 'Heads and deputies won't be dancing in the streets . . . but they are realists and they understand that the award is probably the best obtainable in the current climate.'

(Photograph omitted)