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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How to get flexible working right in schools

Flexible working is key to inclusive workplaces and tackling systemic recruitment and retention issues

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Interested in flexible working?

The DfE toolkit is an excellent resource to get you started:

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Government pay announcement specifically references flexible working

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Interested in flexible working follow this link to a example of a flexible working policy.

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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

Full time flex
In this one hour session we will explore how to overcome flexible working challenges and experience the benefits of 'full time flex' without necessarily making official contract changes. 

During the webinar, we will share case studies of how working both full time and flexibly can support staff wellbeing and retention, and in turn support pupil outcomes.
School leaders, Business/HR leaders, Governors/Trustees
26/06/25
11:00
Online
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Flexible working practices to enhance recruitment and retention
This one-hour webinar focuses on supporting schools and Multi-Academy Trusts in using flexible working to boost recruitment and retention. The session aims to share tangible examples of how flexible working has helped schools facing challenges with low recruitment and retention. Participants will gain insights from concrete case studies of similar organisations that have successfully implemented flexible working strategies. By the end of the webinar, attendees will be more confident and better equipped to apply these methods within their own contexts.
School leaders, Business/HR leaders, Governors/Trustees
25/06/25
14:30
Online
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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

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.
MP4
Flexible working from ECT to retirement (recording)
17/07/24
Flexible working from ECT to retirement webinar recording 10th July 2024 This webinar focuses on how flexible working can support school staff from the start to the end of their career. As well as illustrating how staff in all roles (at all ages and stages) can benefit from flexible working, we will also explore how schools and trusts benefit from supporting them. During the session case studies will be used to provide examples of the different support available. We will also discuss the importance of developing a culture where it is always okay to talk about flexible working.
MP4
Making a flexible working request - 2nd webinar recording
24/04/24
Making a flexible working request webinar recording on 23rd April 2024
URL
Working lives of teachers and leaders – wave 1
30/08/23
The findings of the first wave of the working lives of teachers and leaders survey. From: Department for Education. Published 11 April 2023

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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.