Home | Flexible working in 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.

A BBC article highlights flexible working in small rural primary schools

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

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:

Leading with heart and flexibility a podcast from FW ambassador Debra Rutley

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.

Key resources for Employers

Key resources for Employees

Future courses and recordings

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

Making flexibility work across all school settings

This dynamic one-hour panel discussion aims to breaks down the myths and barriers surrounding flexible working, offering insight into how it can be tailored to fit any governance model. Whether you're in an LA school, an academy, or part of a trust, you'll gain practical tools and proven strategies to improve staff wellbeing, boost retention, and shape a more adaptable school culture.
Join us for real examples, balanced discussion, and actionable takeaways that empower you to make flexibility work.

Senior leaders, HR professionals and LA representatives,

05/11/25

10:00

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

Key resources for Employers

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

PDF

Empowering Educators: Flexible Working at St Peters

04/08/25

At St Peters, we are committed to fostering a supportive and sustainable environment for our dedicated staff. Recognising the unique demands of the educational landscape, we have proactively implemented flexible working initiatives to enhance well-being, improve retention, and optimise school operations. This case study explores two key initiatives: our 'Working from Home' (WFH) scheme and the 'Friends & Family' scheme.

URL

Case study- Shorter School Day Has Minimal Impact

28/07/25

A school trust that is testing having a shorter school day on Fridays believes pupils will have more time with teachers in the classroom. As part of a trial in November, teachers at Reedham Primary and Winterton Primary in Norfolk will use a Friday afternoon for planning and professional development time.

PPTX

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 - 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.

See all resources

Key resources for Employees

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

URL

Working lives of teachers and leaders: wave 3

30/06/25

Working lives of teachers and leaders: wave 3

PDF

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.

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.'

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.

See all resources

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:

A BBC article highlights flexible working in small rural primary schools

What happens to teachers after maternity leave? By Nicola West Jones

Teacher days off in term time

Leading with heart and flexibility a podcast from FW ambassador Debra Rutley

Return to Teaching How can flex help?

About the programme

Future courses and recordings

Key resources for Employers

Key resources for Employees

Share your story

Useful links

Share your story

Useful links