The ‘Burgundy Book’ - Conditions of Service for Teachers update
28 June 2023
The Conditions of Service for School Teachers in England and Wales, often referred to as the ‘Burgundy Book’, has been updated.
- Conditions of Service for School Teachers in England and Wales - 'The Burgundy Book' (PDF, 500.4 KB)
The document, which complements the annual School Teachers Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD), was previously last revised in 2000.
The document is a national agreement between the five teaching unions, the Local Government Association (LGA) and the National Employers’ Organisations (NEOST)
The Burgundy Book details a number of important provisions for Teachers including:
- Maternity leave and pay
- Sick leave and pay
- Resignation and notice periods for teachers
- Deductions from salary
- Trade Union facility time
- Collective grievances and disputes.
The updated edition reflects the changes in employment legislation and terminology which has taken place since 2000. However, the essential terms and conditions of employment within the document and the application of these remain unchanged. Gender neutral terminology has been included throughout.
Appendix IX of the document summarises the changes.
Where agreement could not be reached between the Unions, LGA and NEOST the existing wording remains unchanged.
Where a School or Academy follows the Burgundy Book - these terms are contractual. Most Burgundy Book terms represent an enhancement to the comparable statutory entitlements.
The existing Burgundy Book is already incorporated into the contracts of teachers in Kent Community and Controlled Schools. Kent County Council will adopt the 2023 revisions.