Your membership. Your guide (2026) by NAHT Communications

YOUR 2026 MEMBERSHIP GUIDE

WELCOME TO YOUR UNION

May I take this opportunity to warmly welcome you to NAHT, the school leaders’ union.

NAHT is the definitive voice of school leaders in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with more than 50,000 school professionals in membership.

Together, we make the case for school leaders and education as a whole, campaigning on key issues such as funding, pay, assessment and well-being to name but a few. We’re evidence-based and solutions-focused, and known by decisionmakers for our professional, yet candid, approach to securing change for members.

Beyond our campaigning work, we’re also focused on providing school leaders with the first-class membership experience they

deserve. From our specially designed CPD to our unrivalled advice service, we cover all aspects of school life. Our website has more support resources than any other education trade union, and our weekly newsletter is filled with invaluable links to information, advice and other opportunities for members.

Joining NAHT also gives you the chance to make a real difference in your local area, by getting involved with your branch or region. Our volunteers are central to our success, so please talk to your regional officer and they’ll point you in the right direction.

I want NAHT to remain at your side throughout your career as a school leader. Whatever you need—whether it’s personal development, specific help with a problem or protection while in your role—we’re your first phone call. And, if there’s something you need but you’re not sure we can help, please ask - if it’s about school leadership there’s a good chance we can.

Thank you once again for choosing NAHT. We’re thrilled to have you with us.

Best wishes

Paul Whiteman | General secretary

FIRST THINGS TO DO AS A MEMBER

So, you’ve joined NAHT… but where do you start?

There are many benefits to your NAHT membership and to help you work out where to start, here are twelve things we think you should do first. Grab a cup of tea, find a quiet spot and take five minutes to find out more.

1. REGISTER ON THE NAHT WEBSITE

If you joined online, you’ll already have a login for the NAHT website. However, if you joined us at an event or via one of our team, you’ll need to register online. Visit the NAHT website and under ‘membership’ select ‘manage your membership’. If you need help, email us at membersupport@naht.org.uk or call 0300 30 30 333.

2. CHECK YOUR DETAILS

After you’ve registered online, you can control your account and see all your details in ‘manage your membership’. It’s worth checking that these are correct and all your permissions are switched on, so we can share the latest news with you. If you need to change anything at any time, like your address, this a quick and easy way to do so.

3. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

You can find us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Bluesky. Search NAHT to find our accounts and follow us. We share news, content and important membership information on these platforms, and we wouldn’t want you to miss out.

4. FIND YOUR LOCAL BRANCH OR A EQUALITY NETWORK

There is more information on the next page about our branches and networks. When you join, you’ll be added to your local branch and receive emails about its activities. Explore our networks to discover which ones are of interest and get in touch directly. Find out more by turning the page (after you’ve read the other eight points below of course).

5. SIGN UP FOR OUR MENTORING PLATFORM

As a member, you now have access to our peer-to-peer mentoring scheme. Whether you’re looking to be a mentor or mentee, our members are ready to be part of your growth journey. There’s more information about the scheme on page 30.

6. READ ABOUT OUR CURRENT CAMPAIGNS

If you want to know more about our latest priorities and what we’re campaigning on, visit: naht.org.uk/our-priorities. We update this page regularly, so it’s a great one to pop back to frequently.

7. SIGN UP TO NAHT EXTRAS

Save money on everyday purchases with NAHT Extras. After 14 days of being a member, you’ll receive an email from us explaining how to set up an account. Once you have a login, you’re ready to go. We also have an app you can downloadsee page 20 for more details.

8. JOIN OUR WHATSAPP CHANNEL

We have a dedicated WhatsApp channel that you’re free to join. We regularly post key updates and developments in the world of education from our internal experts. Follow the WhatsApp button on our homepage.

CLAIM YOUR TAX BACK

Did you know you can get tax relief on your membership fees? The amount of relief ranges from 75-100% and you can claim up to four years back. Find out more at naht.org.uk/taxrelief

10.

SAVE THESE NUMBERS

We’re here to listen whenever you need us. Our advice team can help with a range of work-related queries, from pensions to pay, on 0300 30 30 333 from 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. We also have a 24/7 support helpline, which you can access at any time. Save 0800 917 405 into your phone.

11. BOOK ONTO A COURSE

There’s no time like the present to kick-start your development. See page 18 for details of all our current courses and conferences. And you can find out more information on our website.

12. SHARE INFORMATION ON YOUR PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Now you’ve registered online, please take a moment to complete your personal characteristics form, which can be accessed under ‘my personal characteristics.’ Whilst this is voluntary, having this information helps ensure that NAHT is providing support and representation for all of our members.

WE’RE HERE TO SUPPORT YOU

Whether it’s through your local branch or via a dedicated network with members nationally, we can support you in your role.

As a member-led union, democracy is central to our structure, and our achievements have been reached as a representative, democratic union where everyone has an equal voice.

Our members determine the issues and policies that we take forward through our conferences, which are then highlighted locally, regionally and nationally. Our local branch meetings, regional meetings, networks, councils and committees are crucial in providing insights on where we should focus our attention.

We have three equality networks: Leaders for Race Equality, LGBT+ and Disabled Members, offering another source of support, information and networking within NAHT.

As a member, you’re now able to attend your local branch meetings and become involved. Our networks, councils and committees provide further opportunities to get more engaged in NAHT as a member.

Find out more at naht.org.uk/representatives and naht.org.uk/networks or contact your elected regional secretary below.

1 | NORTH WEST

Nicola Kearney nicola.kearney@nahtofficials.org.uk

2 | EAST MIDLANDS

Caroline Rodgers caroline.rodgers@nahtofficials.org.uk

3 | EASTERN

Jeff Conquest jeffconquest2@nahtofficials.org.uk

4 | WALES

Dean Taylor dean.taylor@nahtofficials.org.uk

5 | SOUTH CENTRAL

Sharron Morton sharron.morton@nahtofficials.org.uk

6 | SOUTH EAST

Richard Rule richard.rule@nahtofficials.org.uk

7 | LONDON

Scott Halliwell scott.halliwell@nahtofficials.org.uk

8 | NORTH EAST

Debra Walker debra.walker@nahtofficials.org.uk

9 | NORTHERN IRELAND

Katrina Moore katrina.moore@nahtofficials.org.uk

10 | SOUTH WEST

Simon Hague simon.hague@nahtofficials.org.uk

11 | WEST MIDLANDS

Alasdair Black alasdair.black@nahtofficials.org.uk

12 | YORKSHIRE

Vic Logan vic.logan@nahtofficials.org.uk

WE’RE HERE FOR YOU

Make the most of our invaluable support and advice.

Have a question? Need legal support?

Want advice? Whether it’s something big or small, we’re here to help with whatever comes your way. We’ve been doing this for more than 125 years, so there’s nothing that surprises us, and nothing we haven’t heard or seen before.

On average, we receive 18,000+ calls, emails and online enquiries from our members each year.

We’re constantly updating our website with the latest information on legislation, government changes and education news, but sometimes you might need a little more help and guidance – so don’t hesitate to get in touch.

You can talk to us about anything and everything!

Common queries we receive include:

- conditions of service,

- pensions (general queries, ill-health retirement and early retirement),

- relationship difficulties,

- sickness and

- complaints.

This list isn’t exhaustive. What’s important to you won’t be the same as the next person. That’s why our dedicated team has varied experience to make sure we can cover what you, our members, need to know in relation to your employment.

I need support.

What should I do?

Firstly, contact us as soon as possible

Tell us as much detail as you can via phone 0300 30 30 333 or email membersupport@naht.org.uk

We’ll then triage your query

Our specialist assistants will review the notes and act depending on the issue and urgency.

Urgent

If a role is at risk or a matter is urgent, the advice team will contact you as soon as possible, usually on the same working day you get in touch*.

If your job is at risk, we’ll appoint a regional officer to take on the case at a local level.

Requires a professional conversation

If your query isn’t urgent, but requires a longer professional conversation, you’ll be able to book an appointment with a specialist adviser (whose professional background relates to the query) at your convenience.

If anything arises, we recommend getting in touch as soon as you can. The advice team can often help members at an early stage before an issue develops.

With some guidance or tactical options, we can usually help resolve the situation before it escalates. This means you’re in control, so you can focus on your day job.

LOOK B A CK AT

2025 was a big year for us. We were busy driving progress for our members, and working alongside our sister unions to collectively make an impact on the education sector across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

HERE ARE SOME OF

THE HIGHLIGHTS

We ran successful industrial action campaigns and surpassed government thresholds across all nations and in the crown dependencies.

An above inflation 4% pay uplift for school leaders

£200m to fund new SEND teacher training courses

£615m additional funding from DfE towards the pay award

Removal of pro-rating of TLRs for parttime teachers from September 2026

Above inflation 4% pay uplift for school leaders

Additional £113m for local government through our #FairFundingNow campaign

IN NORTHERN IRELAND WE SECURED IN ENGLAND WE SECURED

An above-inflation 5% pay uplift for school leaders

The ‘26 Heads of Agreement’ delivery of key commitments

Changes to the STPCD to support flexible working

IN WALES WE SECURED

Successfully challenged warning notices issued to schools over budget pressures

Lobbying government to ensure members wellbeing is prioritised

£760m additional funding for the SEND system

An end to the EBacc performance measure

Agreement that leaders must have uninterrupted rest and must not be contacted at weekends and during school holidays, unless there are exceptional circumstances

An Independent Review of Workload

Commitment for system-level workload impact assessments for new initiatives

Agreement that school leaders are not to be contacted outside of their schools’ operational hours

OUR CHARITY PARTNER FAMILY GATEWAY

For 2025/2026 Angi Gibson, our president, has chosen a charity close to her heart, Family Gateway.

Family Gateway is a charity rooted in the heart of Howdon, North Tyneside, working tirelessly to improve the lives of families and individuals across the wider North East. Their Community Hub in Howdon is more than just a building — it’s a safe, welcoming space where people can access a full range of support services, tailored to meet their unique needs.

The Hub acts as a central base for Family Gateway’s work, enabling them to deliver engaging, community-focused activities that bring people together and foster connection. But their support doesn’t stop at the Hub. Family Gateway also provides direct, in-home services to help people overcome the challenges they face — whether that’s financial hardship, housing insecurity, debt, or family difficulties.

Since its founding in 2011, Family Gateway has placed people at the heart of everything

it does. The charity was built on the belief that every family deserves the opportunity to thrive, and that support should be personal, practical, and rooted in empathy. Today, their team includes Family Entrepreneurs, Community Entrepreneurs, Health and Wellbeing Coaches, and Young Person’s Family Entrepreneurs — each bringing lived experience and deep understanding to their roles.

Working under the Barefoot Professional Model, many of Family Gateway’s staff have faced similar challenges to those they now help others navigate. This shared experience allows them to connect with service users on a human level, offering not just advice, but real-world strategies that empower people to take control of their lives.

Whether it’s advocating for families in court, supporting parents through behavioural challenges, or reconnecting people with

Family Gateway create lasting and unique change in the lives of individuals, families and communities across the North East.

MEET YOUR PRESIDENT

nature through gardening and outdoor activities, Family Gateway creates flexible, wraparound solutions that reflect the individuality of each person they support. Their work is about more than solving problems — it’s about building confidence, restoring hope, and helping people shape the future they want for themselves and their families.

Find out more about Family Gateway and the difference they’re making at familygateway.co.uk

Angi Gibson is the head teacher of Hadrian Park Primary School in North Tyneside and became NAHT President in September 2025.

Throughout her career, Angi has been driven by a simple, powerful belief: every child matters, every day. Inclusion is the foundation of her work – in her school, in the wider community, and now on the national stage.

As NAHT president, Angi will lead with heart and fire, focused on meaningful action rather than titles or photo opportunities. Her priorities are clear: to reform inspection and accountability, improve pay and funding, address recruitment and retention challenges, secure investment in safe school buildings, strengthen SEND support and tackle workload so that staff and children can thrive. She says: “These aren’t wish lists –these are non-negotiables.”

Angi’s presidency will be a call to action — to fight for the best for every child and to ensure that no child is left behind.

MAKE THE MOST OF

Our website is regularly updated with important information, our priorities as a union and dedicated member-only content.

Provided by a team of NAHT specialist advisors, we have a series of guides on key topics and issues for school leaders, covering everything from pay and

We recommend you start by exploring the following web pages: naht.org.uk/advice-support Your one-stop shop for advice. naht.org.uk/our-priorities

All the latest information about our campaigns and focuses for the year.

keeping children safe to school websites and inspections. As soon as new advice from the government is shared, we start communicating it to you.

naht.org.uk/courses

The current list of all courses we have on offer for you to grow professionally.

naht.org.uk/membership/members-home

Keep up to date with the latest news and information from us.

BENEFITS FOR YOU BENEFITS FOR YOUR SCHOOL

We want you to make the most of your membership and use all the benefits that come with being part of NAHT. So, we’ve split our benefits into two categories – benefits for you and benefits for your school.

Over the next few pages, you’ll find out more about these benefits and if you’d like additional information, visit our website or use the QR code on the corresponding page.

Let us help you grow professionally. PAGES 18-19

CPD – courses and conferences

NAHT Extras

A range of discounts to help members save on everyday essentials. PAGES 20-21

NAHT Life Membership

Keep your NAHT member benefits into retirement.

Invite a friend to join and reap the rewards

Help your union grow and we’ll reward you for every colleague or friend who joins. PAGES 24-25

Wesleyan Financial Solutions

Personal financial advice and guidance to help you reach your goals PAGES 28-29

NAHT Mentoring Scheme

Share best practice or gain invaluable guidance with our free mentoring platform.

Staff absence protection with complimentary well-being and leadership support.

Concero Education Technology

Cyber security is a leadership responsibility, not just an IT issue. Find out more how Concero can help your school.

SUPERMARKETS

DAYS OUT

Make the most of the weekend with up to 27% off great-value days out and cinema tickets.

FOOD AND DRINK

Don’t fancy cooking? Save on your favourite food and drink, with up to 15% off high street restaurants, pubs, gift cards and takeaways.

*All partners are correct at the time of publishing. Make savings with hundreds of your favourite brands and retailers

Save on your weekly shop with discounts from 4% to 6% on reloadable cards and e-vouchers.

FASHION

If you’re looking for a new wardrobe, you can save up to 14% on your favourite brands.

TRAVEL

Holidays don’t have to cost the earth with up to 19% off hotels, car hire, experiences and flights.

• Retrospective cover for your former career in education

• A professional community where you can speak and vote on the issues that affect life members locally and regionally

• Discounted benefits through negotiated rates with our preferred partners

• Expert advice and guidance on any issue you face concerning your pension, retirement and NAHT volunteering

• Become a mentor with NAHT mentoring scheme

• Representation by the National Life Members Committee who actively work on your behalf to protect your current and future needs

• National Executive Committee representation

• The opportunity to join or help establish a life members’ group in your area

• A spring, summer, autumn and winter life member newsletter, a termly Leadership Focus magazine and access to the members’ area of our website.

THE SPREAD

TOGETHER WE’RE STRONGER

Did the start of the new year bring a new leadership role for you, a friend or colleague? Refer a fellow school leader to join us, the joiner will get the current offer and you’ll receive an M&S voucher.

As you settle in to your new union membership and the benefits that come with NAHT membership, can you think of a friend or colleague who could also benefit from union membership?

There’s no limit on the number of referrals you can make as we’re stronger together.

Visit naht.org.uk/referral today for more details and full terms and conditions.

Scan to find out more

Do you know someone who’d benefit from NAHT union membership?

Set yourself and your referee up for success this school year. Whoever you refer into membership will receive all the same benefits you currently enjoy, such as:

• Instant access to advice: As a member, you have access to expert advice whenever you need it. Whether you have questions about your career or need guidance on schoolrelated matters, NAHT is there to support you

• Legal support: With NAHT membership, you have access to legal support throughout the duration of your membership. This can be valuable in case you encounter any legal issues related to your profession

• Useful downloads: NAHT provides valuable resources to help you in your career and in your school. These downloads can be a great asset in your professional development

Referring couldn’t be simpler

• Savings on everyday essentials: Membership with NAHT also comes with a dedicated savings platform - NAHT Extras. These discounts can help you budget and make your money go further

• Tailored leadership support: NAHT offers tailored leadership support to help you grow professionally. You have access to training, courses and resources that can enhance your leadership skills

• Discounts on industry-leading courses: As a member, you also receive discounts on upcoming courses offered by NAHT. These courses are designed to keep you up to date with the latest trends and developments in your industry.

When your colleague or friend signs up, they just need your name and your school’s name to take advantage of this offer. Plus, we’ve made it even easier for them to join – please share this information with them: they can either apply online or by calling us on 0300 30 30 333.

Remember - there’s no limit to how many people you can refer, and as long as they give your name and we can match your details, you’ll receive an M&S voucher every time.

*Terms and conditions can be found at naht.org.uk/referral

From classrooms to boardrooms, we deliver secure, reliable, and accessible technology.

A PROUD PARTNER OF

A PROUD PARTNER OF SCAN TO FIND OUT HOW WE EMPOWER TEACHERS TO TEACH, and LEADERS TO LEAD.

Tailored financial solutions for NAHT

As a provider of specialist financial advice to senior leaders in education, Wesleyan Financial Services can help you to make informed choices at every step. No matter your income level or where you are in your career, everyone can benefit from tailored advice, from your finances to your insurance needs.

If you are looking for tailored car and home insurance with Wesleyan Financial Services, you can be confident that you’re covered on the road and in control of your property and its contents.

As a broker, our expert team of insurance advisors work hard to find you the right cover for your personal insurance needs through our selected panel of leading insurers. This level of service means you can rest easy knowing that you are comprehensively protected, should the worst happen.

We also offer specialist home insurance to high net individuals, if your home is worth more than £500,000 with contents worth over £100,000.

Wesleyan Financial Services Limited is a broker and its insurance products are provider by a number of selected insurers. Limits, exclusions and charges do apply. Full terms and conditions of the policy and cover, including the policy benefits and exclusions, will be contained in the Policy Wording and Policy Summary. You can get these with your quote. Risk must be acceptable to underwriters at normal term.

Please remember that the value of investments can go down as well as up, and you may get back less than you put in. Please note, the Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate Inheritance Tax planning.

Always remember your mortgage is secured on your property. Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments.

*Wesleyan Financial Services provides broker and advice services, for which a fee may apply.

NAHT members

We can also offer guidance on a variety of other financial planning needs, including:

X Retirement – an important thing to consider wherever you are in your career.

X Savings and Investments – an often-complex topic, we can ensure that your hard-earned money is working as hard as it possibly can for you.

X Inheritance Tax Planning – Making sure that it doesn’t eat into your estate, and as much of your money as possible goes to the ones you love.

X Protection – Making sure that you, your family and your business are protected, no matter what happens.

X Mortgages* – We know that for doctors and teachers, this isn’t a straightforward process, and so we are here to help.

insurance, please visit www.wesleyan.co.uk/insurance For financial advice, please visit www.wesleyan.co.uk/naht

Charges may apply. You will not be charged until you have agreed the services you require and the associated costs. Advice is provided by Wesleyan Financial Services Ltd who are wholly owned by Wesleyan Assurance Society. ‘WESLEYAN’ is a trading name of the Wesleyan Group of companies. Wesleyan Assurance Society is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Incorporated in England and Wales by Private Act of Parliament (No. ZC145). Registered Office: Colmore Circus, Birmingham B4 6AR. Telephone: 0345 351 2352. Calls may be recorded to help us provide, monitor and improve our services to you. The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) is a trade union whose registered office is situated at Centenary House. 93-95 Borough High Street, London, SE1 1NL. Telephone: 0300 30 30 333, www.naht.org.uk The NAHT is an introducer appointed representative of Wesleyan Financial Services Limited.

Our mentoring platform provides a space for school leaders to share and gain knowledge that will benefit those starting their leadership journey as well as seasoned leaders.

FOR MENTORS

It’s a chance to help strengthen the profession by sharing your experience and knowledge.

FOR MENTEES

It’s a great way to explore less familiar areas and establish a strong working mentor relationship that will inspire you.

Working together and tapping into this knowledge, we can help make education the best it can be.

naht.org.uk/mentoring-platform

Products and Services we think you might like

The following advertisers are not endorsed by NAHT, and their products and services are provided to you direct from them.

IMPORTANT CONTACT DETAILS

ADVICE AND SUPPORT

Receive expert advice on managing your school and benefit from individual legal support. Call 0300 30 30 333 (option one) from 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

We help nearly 2,000 members every month with advice and legal support. Call us to see how we can assist in your day-to-day role or with any difficulties you may face in your career.

As well as our advice hotline, members can benefit from individual consultations, support from regional officers and help with litigation casework.

You can also use the Education Support 24/7 counselling line on 0800 917 4055. Calls made to this number are completely confidential and access to this service is included as part of your membership.

CONTACT US

NAHT Centenary House, 93-95 Borough High Street, London, SE1 1NL

MEMBERSHIP SUPPORT

If you need to let us know about a change of role or circumstance, please email membersupport@naht.org.uk or call the member support team on 0300 30 30 333 (option three) from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

We respond to over 1200 emails and more than 750 calls from members every month, ensuring they have the right membership to suit their role.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Last year, we trained more than 1,000 members on our professional development courses. Call the events team on 01444 472405 to find out how our training can bring you up to date.

Call: 0300 30 30 333

Visit: naht.org.uk/contactus

General secretary: Paul Whiteman naht.org.uk