Flexible working support: a programme for Multi-Academy Trusts and Schools

Delivery of our Flexible Working programme is extended until March 2026! Find out more:

More Teachers to benefit from flexible working - GOV.UK. Government extend successful programme that supports teachers to plan lessons from home, job-share or work flexible hours.

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Writing exclusively for Tes, the minister for school standards explains why we're extending our flexible-working programme.

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What happens to teachers after maternity leave? By Nicola West Jones

Data evidence demonstrates how flexible working practices can help retain staff

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Teacher days off in term time

Neil Renton FWAM for Yorkshire and Humber outlines how Harrogate Grammar School made this possible:

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Leading with heart and flexibility a podcast from FW ambassador Debra Rutley

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Recruitment and retention how flex can help.

Neil Renton FWAM for Yorkshire and Humber features in this podcast:

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About the programme

Capita, funded by the Department for Education, is leading a programme to provide flexible working in Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) and schools. Delivered in collaboration with Flexible Teacher Talent and the Flexible Working Ambassador MATs and Schools (FWAMS), it includes free training/ webinars and bespoke peer support. The programme helps school leaders design flexible roles, proactively address challenges and embrace the benefits of flexible working. It highlights practices such as part-time work, job sharing, remote work, phased retirement, and personal or family days to increase flexibility. The FWAMS, who have successfully implemented flexible working in their own schools provide guidance and peer support to help navigate these challenges effectively.

Key resources for Employers Key resources for Employees
Contact our helpdesk at flexibleworkingineducation@capita.com

Future courses and recordings

Flexible Working in Schools and MATs: Your entitlements and how to apply
Thinking about flexible working? This one-hour webinar will guide you through your legal rights, practical options, and tips to craft a request that's appropriate for a school setting.
Along with a guest speaker who will share their experience and tips, you will have the opportunity to ask questions and start preparing your own request.
The session is ideal for both school staff considering flexibility and those handling requests. This session will ensure you're informed, prepared, and empowered to take control of your work-life balance.
School staff considering flexibility and those handling requests
10/07/25
15:30
Online
Book course
Effective Job-Sharing for Primary and Secondary Teachers and Leaders
Join us for this one-hour session to discover key strategies to thrive in a job share —whether you're already sharing a role or considering one. This session aims to equip you with the tools to make job sharing a success through:
Guiding you through different job share models and exploring how they fit into schools through exploring:
Essential skills for effective collaboration;
Real life case study examples from teachers and leaders working in job-shares.
Practical tips on communication, workload, and routines will also be shared.

This session will be particularly useful for primary and secondary classroom teachers, middle leaders and senior leaders already working as part of a job share or planning / hoping to work as part of a job share in the future.
Teachers, middle leaders and senior leaders
09/07/25
15:00
Online
Book course
The benefits of flexible working in alternative provision
Join us for this session where we will be exploring the benefits of flexible working for staff recruitment, retention and well-being especially when working in challenging environments.

This webinar will be particularly useful for school leaders, business/HR leaders and governors/trustees in alternative provision contexts, however anyone with an interest in this session is welcome to attend.
School leaders, Business/HR leaders, Governers/Trustees in AP co
Recorded sessions accessible at any time
View recording
Setting boundaries for effective flexible working
This session will focus on identifying areas of our flexible working lives where there may be a need to establish or strengthen boundaries. We will discuss strategies on setting and holding boundaries effectively. Our aim is to help you understand how effective boundary setting can support flexible working practices, wellbeing, workload and a sense of fulfilment in both personal and professional lives.
Colleagues planning to or currently working flexibly.
Recorded sessions accessible at any time
View recording
Flexible working in conjunction with diversity, equity and inclusion
This webinar focuses on how flexible working can promote equity, diversity, and inclusion within schools. During the webinar we demonstrate how flexible working can help to recruit, retain, and develop teachers and leaders. We explore and challenge existing barriers to accessing flexible working arrangements and how different groups may be impacted by this e.g., those with a disability, carers, and parents, those reaching retirement age. There will be practical advice provided, including case studies, on how schools can use flexible working effectively and model inclusive workplace practices. Responsibilities under the Equality Act including PSED is also discussed.
School leaders, Business/HR leaders, Governors/Trustees
Recorded sessions accessible at any time
View recording
Embracing flexible working - regional workshop (East of England)
This workshop is dedicated to highlighting the importance of flexible working for trusts and schools in the East of England region. This session will provide you with guidance on designing a flexible working strategy. You will leave having received practical advice regarding the implementation of flexible working practices.


School/Business/HR leaders, Governors/Trustees - East of England
Recorded sessions accessible at any time
View recording
‘It won’t work here’ – practical tips for timetablers
During this panel discussion we aim to help schools address timetabling barriers to flexible working. We will discuss when and how to factor flexible working in to timetabling processes. You will also hear about challenges that have been overcome and receive top tips for resolving timetabling issues you may encounter. This session will be helpful for school leaders and timetablers. However, anyone with an interest in this area is welcome to watch.
School leaders and timetablers
Recorded sessions accessible at any time
View recording
Co-Headship
In this session we explore different models for co-headship and how co-heads make their case at interview for flexible working. We discuss how co-headship provides a collaborative partnership model which can help to make headship more desirable and sustainable for great leaders who we need to retain and promote. Case-studies are presented to examine the opportunities and potential challenges of this model of school leadership.
Teachers, School leaders, Business/HR leaders, Governors/Trustee
Recorded sessions accessible at any time
View recording
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Key resources for Employers

If you’re new here, use these recommended resources to learn more about flexible working in education

PDF
Case Study - Enhancing Staff Well-being and Improving Absence Rates at the Thomas Gainsborough School
06/06/25
This case study highlights the importance of flexible working conditions, dedicated well-being support, and strategic management in overcoming high absence rates amongst staff, as well as improving retention and recruitment of high-quality staff.
PDF
Case Study - Embracing Flexible Working at Wycombe High School
06/06/25
Wycombe High School, an outstanding girls’ school in Buckinghamshire, has been at the forefront of developing and implementing a flexible working strategy. Collaborating with the DfE Flexible Working Ambassador MAT and School for the South East, Wycombe High School has embraced innovative practices to enhance the work-life balance of its staff.
URL
Flexible working: how we’ve made teacher days off in term time possible (TES Magazine article by Neil Renton)
07/05/25
This article by Neil Renton describes a 'trading-to-flex' system that allows teachers to take one day off during term time by covering the same number of lessons they would miss. This initiative boosts teacher wellbeing, creates a sense of autonomy, and helps retain teachers by valuing their personal needs while maintaining educational standards. Neil Renton is the headteacher of Harrogate Grammar School in the Red Kite Learning Trust which is a Flexible Working Ambassador Multi-Academy Trust and School.
PDF
Flexible working self-assessment tool
09/07/24
This tool will support leaders to assess their current flexible working arrangements and provide ideas for next steps to further develop their practice. It shows steps to take for those starting out on their journey and more advanced steps to help leaders embed a culture of flexible working. All of these things are important in helping a school work towards a strong flexible working culture. This tool is voluntary and can be used internally to develop your flexible working practices.

See all resources

Key resources for Employees

If you’re new here, use these recommended resources to learn more about flexible working in education

URL
Working lives of teachers and leaders: wave 3
30/06/25
Working lives of teachers and leaders: wave 3
PDF
NowTeach Panellists Write Up
06/06/25
Following a webinar with NowTeach, the panellists have shared their experiences, as well as the benefits, of flexible working to aid recruitment and retention within the teaching profession.
PDF
Case study - Trust-backed flexibility: Jo's journey to success
17/07/24
Case study - Jo works within a small team as the Company Secretary for The Athelstan Trust where her and the team benefit from working flexibly to balance home and work-life.
PDF
Case study - Leading by example: Danielle's success with work-life balance
17/07/24
Case study - As an Assistant Principal at Harris Primary Academy Shortland's, Danielle England exemplifies the power of flexible working arrangements.

See all resources

Register for free access to live webinars, workshops, on demand training, resources and to send questions directly to our flexible working experts.

Register

Share your story

What flexible working initiatives have worked well in your school?

Useful links

Costs and benefits of flexible working

Guidance for flexible working in schools

Resources to support flexible working in schools

Share your story

What flexible working initiatives have worked well in your school?

Useful links

Costs and benefits of flexible working

Guidance for flexible working in schools

Resources to support flexible working in schools

This programme is funded by the Department for Education but this website should not be interpreted as Governmental policy. Please see here for Department for Education Policy.