Teachers' workload and working hours

Teachers in the UK continue to work more intensively and for longer hours than any other profession. There is no better time to tackle teachers' excessive workloads in the workplace.

The number of hours for which teachers can be directed to teach or undertake other professional duties is subject to a limit of 1,265. On top of this, teachers are expected to work ‘reasonable additional hours’ to fulfil their professional responsibilities. 

Stress and exhaustion are not only the products of excessive working hours but also of having too little professional discretion in your workplace - with key decisions about the curriculum and teaching strategies taken out of your professional control. 

Workload audit

A workload audit checklist to use to identify which of those issues are most prevalent in your workplace.

Marking policy checklist

The aim of this policy checklist on marking is assist NEU reps to assess whether your school’s marking policy and practice is compliant with the NEU position.

Reducing workload in the workplace

It is time to reclaim your professional lives and reduce accountability workload in your workplace.

Related content

Directed time artwork

Directed time

A directed time calendar is important to ensure teachers’ hours are reasonable and is standard practice within the profession.

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Cover

Teachers should be required to provide cover only rarely, and only in circumstances that are not foreseeable.

Black woman writing notes

Observations

Excessive classroom observation is one of the biggest sources of stress and does not of itself lead to better practice.

Graphic of files saying quality teaching, planning, data, marking

Appraisals

In England, all maintained schools are required to have an appraisal policy.

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