Top tips for implementing flexible working in your school
Headteacher Brett Jouny has a flexible working policy at his school...
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.
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?
What happens to teachers after maternity leave? By Nicola West Jones
Data evidence demonstrates how flexible working practices can help retain staff
Teacher days off in term time
Neil Renton FWAM for Yorkshire and Humber outlines how Harrogate Grammar School made this possible:
STPCD Guide Part 1 Flexible working provisions
Return to Teaching How can flex help?
Read case studies of how flexible working can help those who return to teaching.
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
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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.
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 
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.
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
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
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
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
‘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
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
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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.
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
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
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.
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Creating a flexible working strategy - why, how, what
Creating a flexible working strategy - why, how, what
Flexible working self-assessment tool
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
‘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.
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
Flexible Working in Schools and MATs: Your entitlements and how to apply - Recording
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.
Timewise Tool: Preparing your flexible work request
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.
Flexible working from ECT to retirement (recording)
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.
Teaching Vacancies blog - 'Flexible friendly' schools
A blog from Teaching Vacancies - 'Over half of teachers are more likely to apply for a job in a 'flexible friendly' school.'
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
Supporting former teachers back into the classroom - communications toolkit
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
Case study - From maternity leave to leadership: Flo's story of flexibility
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.
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Case study - Balancing act: the success of flexible working for a head of geography
Case study - Fiona Sheriff, the Head of Geography at Kingsthorpe College in Northampton, is a strong advocate for flexible working.
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Case study - Leading by example: Danielle's success with work-life balance
Case study - As an Assistant Principal at Harris Primary Academy Shortland's, Danielle England exemplifies the power of flexible working arrangements.
Register for free access to live webinars, workshops, on demand training, resources and to send questions directly to our flexible working experts.
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.