THE persistence of the gender pay gap in schools is “grossly unfair,” a teaching union said today as it urged the government to conduct an urgent pay equality analysis.

The NAHT school leaders’ union, marking International Equal Pay Day, said Department for Education figures show minimal improvements at the headteacher level, while the gap has widened again for most teachers and leaders.

General secretary Paul Whiteman said: “The persistence of this unjust gender pay gap is a real cause for concern — especially given there is a clear national pay framework and the majority of all types of leadership and teaching roles are held by women.

“At a time when schools are struggling with a severe recruitment and retention crisis, this is really unhelpful…

“And it is quite simply grossly unfair for the women affected.”

The average pay gap for headteachers narrowed to £8,840 for 2024-25, the NAHT found.

But for women headteachers aged 60, it grew by 10 per cent to £15,851, and pay differences begin to climb from age 35.

For deputy and assistant heads, the gap rose from £3,697 to £3,989, while for teachers it increased from £1,154 to £1,222.