Teachers' salaries and pay scales

The GDST teachers' pay structure is similar to that within the maintained sector, however in the maintained sector scale points are regarded as the minimum, as opposed to the GDST system that sees a greater differential and more opportunity for pay progression.

All our teachers are able to progress to the equivalent of U1 (beyond the threshold) without the need for formal performance assessment, and there is an extended discretionary pay scale above that. In fact, more than 55% of our teachers are already on the extended scale.

Details of our current teachers' pay scales are set out in the separate'Teachers' Pay' leaflet. Additional financial incentives are offered to London-based staff and may also be available for shortage subject teachers.

Support staff salaries

The GDST pay structure for support staff is also similar to that within the maintained sector, but with the flexibility to be able to offer attractive market rate and beyond salaries. Support staff pay scales are based on the local government NJC scales.

Training and professional development

Regular review and professional development are an essential part of the GDST's programme. As well as the INSET programme offered by each school, GDST-funded training grants are available to support individual courses of study.

The GDST also runs a highly regarded central training and development programme that is open to all staff, both teaching and support. There is a supportive annual review system in place for all staff, and our own internal Intranet gives the opportunity for discussion and exchange of information with colleagues in other schools throughout the GDST.