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

Top tips for implementing flexible working in your school

Headteacher Brett Jouny has a flexible working policy at his school...

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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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Top tips for managing up- Why flexible working matters

Feeling empowered to build flexible working into your People Strategy but need help securing buy-in from your leadership team or governance professionals?

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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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Return to Teaching How can flex help?

Read case studies of how flexible working can help those who return to teaching.

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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.

View our packages of support
Contact our helpdesk at flexibleworkingineducation@capita.com

Future courses and recordings

Leading Flexible Working Across Multi-Academy Trusts
This practical 90-minute session supports CEOs and HR leaders in developing trust-wide flexible working strategies. Learn how to embed a consistent, school-level approach through culture change, strategic planning tools, and proven frameworks. Featuring real-world examples from Flexible Working Ambassador Multi-Academy Trusts, the session offers hands-on guidance to start shaping your own strategy with clarity and confidence.
Trust leaders including CEOs and HR Leads
03/12/25
12:00
Online
Book course
Flexible working and (peri)menopause: thriving as a teacher.
This one-hour session explores how flexible working can support teachers during (peri)menopause and improve their retention. You'll gain insight from recent research, learn about flexible options beyond part-time, and hear real-life case studies.
Discover how flexible working is a right for all, why it matters during life transitions, and how schools can foster inclusive, stigma-free practices. Trusted resources and actionable strategies will be signposted.
Teachers, senior leaders, HR professionals, policy makers
12/11/25
11:00
Online
Book course
Flexible opportunities for school support staff
Discover how embracing a flexible working culture can transform your school's ability to attract and retain exceptional support staff. This one-hour session provides practical guidance, inspiration, and real-life stories to help schools embed more inclusive, responsive working practices. A live panel will share their experiences and wellbeing benefits of flexible working.
School leaders, trust leaders, and support staff
16/10/25
11:00
Online
Book course
Holding onto talent: flexible working and retention in early years settings
Join us for a one-hour session exploring staff retention in early years education. Designed for Headteachers, Senior Leaders, and Nursery Managers, this webinar sheds light on current retention figures and the realities—both rewarding and challenging—of working in early years settings.
Drawing on successful practices and the Flexible Working Toolkit, we’ll share actionable strategies and confront common misconceptions around flexible working – including potential barriers such as funding, staffing and timetabling.
You’ll leave with fresh perspectives and practical tips to help embed flexible working practices across your team, making your setting a more sustainable and supportive place for staff to thrive.
Headteachers, Senior Leaders, and Nursery Managers
08/10/25
10:00
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
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
Recorded sessions accessible at any time
View recording
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Key resources for Senior Leadership Teams

If you’re new here, use these recommended resources to learn more about flexible working in schools and multi-academy trusts

URL
Flexible working legislation changes from 6 April 2024
12/02/24
From 6 April 2024, employees will be able to request flexible working from their first day in a new job. From 6 April 2024, employers will need to make a decision within 2 months of getting the request. From 6 April 2024, employees will be able to make 2 applications for flexible working in any 12-month period.
PDF
Creating a flexible working strategy - why, how, what
11/07/24
Creating a flexible working strategy - why, how, what
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.
MP4
‘It won’t work here’ – practical tips for timetablers - recording
31/01/25
‘It won’t work here’ – practical tips for timetablers - recording from live event on 29th January 2025. 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.

See all resources

Key resources for Teachers

If you’re new here, use these recommended resources to learn more about flexible working in schools and multi-academy trusts

MP4
Flexible Working in Schools and MATs: Your entitlements and how to apply - Recording
19/08/25
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. Webinar recording note: This recording was created on 10th July 2025. References to legislation, guidance, or research reflect the information available and accurate at the time of filming. Please note that policies and recommendations may have changed since then.
PDF
Timewise Tool: Preparing your flexible work request
20/08/25
This template created by Timewise is designed to help you have a meaningful conversation with your manager with a thought through plan about how you’d like flexible working to work.
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.
PDF
Teaching Vacancies blog - 'Flexible friendly' schools
07/11/24
A blog from Teaching Vacancies - 'Over half of teachers are more likely to apply for a job in a 'flexible friendly' school.'

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Key resources for returning to teaching

If you’re new here, use these recommended resources to learn more about flexible working in schools and multi-academy trusts

PDF
Supporting former teachers back into the classroom - communications toolkit
24/07/25
The Department for Education is supporting teachers to return to the classroom. This toolkit provides content to highlight that support to help you inspire others to feel confident about returning to teach: - An overview of the support on offer - A range of communications and content to help you raise awareness of the support on offer - Case studies of former teachers who have made the transition back to the classroom
PDF
Case study - From maternity leave to leadership: Flo's story of flexibility
17/07/24
Case study - Flo is someone who transitioned from maternity leave to various roles within the education sector and provides valuable insights into the type of roles that can work flexibly.
PDF
Case study - Balancing act: the success of flexible working for a head of geography
17/07/24
Case study - Fiona Sheriff, the Head of Geography at Kingsthorpe College in Northampton, is a strong advocate for flexible working.
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.