What we do
At NAHT, we exist to defend and promote the rights of school leaders, so together, we can create a better education system for educationalists and learners alike.
We represent school leaders within primary and secondary education as well as maintained nurseries. Our members include head teachers, deputy and assistant heads, school business leaders, special educational needs coordinators, virtual school heads and leaders of outdoor education centres.
As a trade union and professional association, we work to support school leaders so they can deliver the high-quality education our pupils deserve, make sure their voice is heard and respected in Westminster, and provide them with a professional community that nurtures knowledge and connections to drive change.
We’ve been taking a stand to improve schools for everyone since 1897.
NAHT is the authoritative voice in the room. We believe in finding practical solutions, but like our members, we will make our voice heard when it counts. Our approach means we not only have the ear of key decision-makers but they also seek our advice.
We know what is right for education. Our standing as a respected leadership organisation means we exert real influence on government policy and secure significant improvements for members.
We offer senior politicians and civil servants a clear and accessible insight into the impact of their changes on school leaders and learners so that we can shape their thinking.
We actively lobby and campaign on the issues that are important to school leaders. Our policy and campaigns team regularly grabs the headlines and attention of high-profile political figures with our credible, evidence-based research.
We’re determined to change the story for our members for the better.
"It's reassuring to be part of a union that voices my concerns to affect change at a national level."
We believe well-supported school leaders create good schools, and as a result, give children better futures and benefit society as a whole. So, we’re here to listen, support and protect our 47,000+ members (including Life members) whenever and wherever they need us.
Sometimes things can feel overwhelming. Our confidential counselling helpline (call 0800 917 4055) is open around the clock and provides members with emotional support.
We’re on hand to offer expert advice to help members overcome the many challenges of running a school and managing those who work in it. Our highly skilled advice team (call 0300 30 30 333 and choose option one) fields more than 15,000 calls a year from members.
And each week, they publish a specialised advice article that adds to the wealth of resources we provide on all aspects of school leadership, from employment issues and matters in the classroom to new legislation. Whether that takes the form of a practical framework, model policy, handy guide or useful checklist, NAHT has got the tools our members need, when they need them.
"Thank you for all your support, advice and guidance. Your patience, expertise and dedication have been invaluable. I can look forward with confidence and real optimism to the next chapter."
However, there will be occasions when members need face-to-face support, such as being accompanied to a meeting or where our assistance would help to resolve employment-related issues. This is where the invaluable work of our trusted reps comes in.
They offer reassurance and direction in meetings school leaders don’t want to face on their own. And each day, they’re working hard to champion the interests of our members - both on a collective and individual level, and across our regions and branches.
Our regional officers are the first port of call when our members’ jobs are put at risk. They’re the support on your doorstep and have an intricate knowledge of the schools and issues in each area. They have extensive experience in handling a broad range of complex casework and working with discipline, grievance, capability and redundancy procedures.
Our dedicated in-house legal team lets members know that there’s someone ready to fight their corner on employment and regulatory issues. Expert legal representatives take members’ claims to employment tribunals in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, including unfair dismissal, breach of contract, redundancy and discrimination.
They also provide excellent advice and representation for those who find themselves under investigation by the teachers’ regulators (Teaching Regulation Agency for England, EWC for Wales and GTCNI for Northern Ireland) and the DBS.
Through arrangements with external solicitors, we also ensure members receive advice and, when required, representation if they are accused of a criminal offence in connection with their employment.
And with NAHT Life, retired school leaders don’t lose all the protection they received while working in education.
We keep school leaders informed. Each month, our School Leadership podcast offers members a front-row seat to hear from the best and brightest. It features long-form interviews that dive deeper into topics at the heart of leadership and learning, ranging from personal accounts from members on how they support the children they teach to the inside story from Ofsted’s deputy director for schools on the new inspection framework.
Our termly magazine, Leadership Focus, is packed full of news, practical tips and engaging, thought-provoking features that give members a unique and in-depth look at the big issues. We lovingly craft the magazine each term and deliver it directly to your door so that you can keep up-to-date with all the pressing matters of the moment. It is the essential read for school leaders.
And our newsletter keeps members’ fingers on the pulse, with the latest news, policy developments, analysis, comment, advice and much more. We send the newsletter straight to your inbox each week, so you can read it on the go and have everything you need at the touch of a button.
We give school leaders the chance to learn new skills that will transform their careers. Every year, we create an extensive range of specially designed training courses on need-to-know subjects. And our hand-picked industry experts deliver them in ways (eg one-day events, e-learning or tailored training) that match school leaders’ busy lives. So, whether it’s a comprehensive introduction to government policy, insight to practice or the chance to practise discipline-based techniques, we’re committed to helping school leaders reach their full potential.
"An excellent and informative day's training which combined clear information, the opportunity to reflect and the chance to share good practice."
Our members enjoy exclusive discounts. At the click of a button, they can access hundreds of bargains with the high-street brands they know and love, thanks to NAHT Extras. With reductions on everything from the supermarket shop to nights out and even upgrading your white goods, there are plenty of deals to help you save money.
We also work with a wide range of carefully selected partners to deliver both services to schools and benefits for members. Whether you’re looking to make the most of your membership or help your school access preferential rates on critical resources, you’ve come to the right place.
We believe well-supported school leaders create good schools, and as a result, give children better futures and benefit society as a whole. So, we’re here to listen, support and protect our 47,000+ members (including Life members) whenever and wherever they need us.
Sometimes things can feel overwhelming. Our confidential counselling helpline (call 0800 917 4055) is open around the clock and provides members with emotional support.
We’re on hand to offer expert advice to help members overcome the many challenges of running a school and managing those who work in it. Our highly skilled advice team (call 0300 30 30 333 and choose option one) fields more than 15,000 calls a year from members.
And each week, they publish a specialised advice article that adds to the wealth of resources we provide on all aspects of school leadership, from employment issues and matters in the classroom to new legislation. Whether that takes the form of a practical framework, model policy, handy guide or useful checklist, NAHT has got the tools our members need, when they need them.
"Thank you for all your support, advice and guidance. Your patience, expertise and dedication have been invaluable. I can look forward with confidence and real optimism to the next chapter."
However, there will be occasions when members need face-to-face support, such as being accompanied to a meeting or where our assistance would help to resolve employment-related issues. This is where the invaluable work of our trusted reps comes in.
They offer reassurance and direction in meetings school leaders don’t want to face on their own. And each day, they’re working hard to champion the interests of our members - both on a collective and individual level, and across our regions and branches.
Our regional officers are the first port of call when our members’ jobs are put at risk. They’re the support on your doorstep and have an intricate knowledge of the schools and issues in each area. They have extensive experience in handling a broad range of complex casework and working with discipline, grievance, capability and redundancy procedures.
Our dedicated in-house legal team lets members know that there’s someone ready to fight their corner on employment and regulatory issues. Expert legal representatives take members’ claims to employment tribunals in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, including unfair dismissal, breach of contract, redundancy and discrimination.
They also provide excellent advice and representation for those who find themselves under investigation by the teachers’ regulators (Teaching Regulation Agency for England, EWC for Wales and GTCNI for Northern Ireland) and the DBS.
Through arrangements with external solicitors, we also ensure members receive advice and, when required, representation if they are accused of a criminal offence in connection with their employment.
And with NAHT Life, retired school leaders don’t lose all the protection they received while working in education.
We keep school leaders informed. Each month, our School Leadership podcast offers members a front-row seat to hear from the best and brightest. It features long-form interviews that dive deeper into topics at the heart of leadership and learning, ranging from personal accounts from members on how they support the children they teach to the inside story from Ofsted’s deputy director for schools on the new inspection framework
Our termly magazine, Leadership Focus, is packed full of news, practical tips and engaging, thought-provoking features that give members a unique and in-depth look at the big issues. We lovingly craft the magazine each term and deliver it directly to your door so that you can keep up-to-date with all the pressing matters of the moment. It is the essential read for school leaders.
And our newsletter keeps members’ fingers on the pulse, with the latest news, policy developments, analysis, comment, advice and much more. We send the newsletter straight to your inbox each week, so you can read it on the go and have everything you need at the touch of a button.
We give school leaders the chance to learn new skills that will transform their careers. Every year, we create an extensive range of specially designed training courses on need-to-know subjects. And our hand-picked industry experts deliver them in ways (eg one-day events, e-learning or tailored training) that match school leaders’ busy lives. So, whether it’s a comprehensive introduction to government policy, insight to practice or the chance to practise discipline-based techniques, we’re committed to helping school leaders reach their full potential.
"An excellent and informative day's training which combined clear information, the opportunity to reflect and the chance to share good practice."
Our members enjoy exclusive discounts. At the click of a button, they can access hundreds of bargains with the high-street brands they know and love, thanks to NAHT Extras. With reductions on everything from the supermarket shop to nights out and even upgrading your white goods, there are plenty of deals to help you save money.
We also work with a wide range of carefully selected partners to deliver both services to schools and benefits for members. Whether you’re looking to make the most of your membership or help your school access preferential rates on critical resources, you’ve come to the right place.
"Having the might of NAHT supporting me as a leader brings comfort and calmness to my professional life."
NAHT is where school leaders belong. Across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, our branches and regions provide a place for school leaders to come together.
It’s reassuring to stand with like-minded people to bring about positive change for school leaders and learners. United by a passion for shaping the future of education, our vibrant communities go on to achieve extraordinary things at both local and national levels.
And although campaigning is at the heart of NAHT, these professional groups also give members the chance to tap into a network of expertise and indispensable support. You’ll make connections for life that will help you during the tough times and celebrate with you during the good.
We help school leaders learn from each other. Our mentoring platform formalises the building of dynamic relationships to help our school leaders grow together.
Whether you’re at the start of your leadership journey or a seasoned leader, the scheme allows you to connect with colleagues as well as shape and adopt best practice.
And it presents an excellent learning experience for both the mentor and mentee – you’ll each benefit from gaining a new perspective, stimulating debate and sharing knowledge.
NAHT is where school leaders belong. Across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, our branches and regions provide a place for school leaders to come together.
It’s reassuring to stand with like-minded people to bring about positive change for school leaders and learners. United by a passion for shaping the future of education, our vibrant communities go on to achieve extraordinary things at both local and national levels.
And although campaigning is at the heart of NAHT, these professional groups also give members the chance to tap into a network of expertise and indispensable support. You’ll make connections for life that will help you during the tough times and celebrate with you during the good.
We help school leaders learn from each other. Our mentoring platform formalises the building of dynamic relationships to help our school leaders grow together.
Whether you’re at the start of your leadership journey or a seasoned leader, the scheme allows you to connect with colleagues as well as shape and adopt best practice.
And it presents an excellent learning experience for both the mentor and mentee – you’ll each benefit from gaining a new perspective, stimulating debate and sharing knowledge.
“I was seeking a union of strength and conviction. NAHT provides that. There’s real solidarity too, and I’ve made many friends from all over the UK."
We’re passionate about speaking up for members and using our expertise to improve schools for all. Join us, and together we can make a real difference.
Already a member? Refer a friend and share the benefits; find out more about our latest referral offer.
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