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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A BBC article highlights flexible working in small rural primary schools

Schools say shorter day in Norfolk will have 'minimal' impact - BBC News

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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.

Key resources for Employers Key resources for Employees
Contact our helpdesk at flexibleworkingineducation@capita.com

Future courses and recordings

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
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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

Key resources for Employers

If you’re new here, use these recommended resources to learn more about flexible working in education

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
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.
Case study - Championing flexible working for staff
31/07/24
Over the past five years, Charles Dickens Primary School has been at the forefront of reshaping perceptions around flexible working. They have collaborated closely with schools, emphasising the immense value of promoting flexible work arrangements for their staff.
Thought piece - Flexible working: how our trust is reaping the benefits (TES article)
21/11/23
The CEO of a flexible working ambassador MAT explains the changes it has made and the advantages of schools allowing more flexible working.

Key resources for Employees

If you’re new here, use these recommended resources to learn more about flexible working in education

Working lives of teachers and leaders: wave 3
30/06/25
Working lives of teachers and leaders: wave 3
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.
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.'
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.

Register for free access to live webinars, workshops, on demand training, resources and to send questions directly to our flexible working experts.

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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.