Teachers' Rights in Northern Ireland

Who this guide is for

Teachers in grant-aided schools in Northern Ireland.

What this guide does not cover

• Teachers in England, Wales or Scotland: see Teachers' Rights in England, Teachers' Rights in Wales or Teachers' Rights in Scotland.
• Classroom assistants and other support staff: use Your Rights as an Employee in Northern Ireland.
• General employment rights: see Your Rights as an Employee in Northern Ireland.
• Whistleblowing in detail: see Whistleblowing at Work in Northern Ireland.
• Tribunal time limits in detail: see Industrial Tribunal Claims in Northern Ireland.
• Leadership pay, allowances and local schemes in detail. Ask your union or your employing authority.

What the rules depend on

1. Do you work in a grant-aided school? This guide is for you. Other schools may use different contracts.
2. Are you full-time or part-time? Part-time teachers' days and hours are worked out separately.
3. Are you newly qualified? Then induction and early professional development apply.
4. When did the thing you are complaining about happen? That date decides your tribunal time limit.

"How is my pay set?"

Pay and conditions are agreed in the Teachers' Salaries and Conditions of Service Committee (Schools), usually called the Teachers' Negotiating Committee. It includes employer representatives, the Department of Education and the five recognised teachers' unions. After agreement, the Department sets pay under Article 69 of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986, and its pay determinations and circulars give legal effect to salary changes.

The 2025/26 settlement was a 4% rise to all teacher and school leader pay points, and to teaching and special needs allowances, from 1 September 2025. It was accepted on 13 January 2026. Starting pay for graduate teachers rose to £32,916 and the top of the upper pay scale to £50,876.

This guide could not find an agreed 2026/27 award on the Department of Education website on 23 October 2026.

The Teachers' (Terms and Conditions of Employment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1987 cover teachers in grant-aided schools and peripatetic teachers. Your employing authority issues other conditions of service and agreed schemes.

"How many hours do I have to work?"

A Department of Education circular on directed time says a teacher must be available for work on 195 days a year, and available to perform duties for 1,265 hours a year, at times and places your principal reasonably sets. Time spent preparing and marking away from school, and travel to and from work, does not count towards the 1,265 hours.

For part-time teachers, the Department has issued a circular (2023/10) on how to work out additional days and hours.

"Do I need to register with the GTCNI?"

Yes. Employers must make sure every teacher, including peripatetic teachers, is registered with the GTCNI, and must check this before you start. Employers are required by law to tell the GTCNI if a teacher is dismissed for misconduct.

If you are newly qualified, your school and teacher tutor confirm to the GTCNI when you have completed induction and early professional development.

"What about my pension?"

Teachers are in the Northern Ireland Teachers' Pension Scheme (NITPS). The Department of Education's pension scheme pages explain it. For workplace pensions in general, see Workplace Pensions & Auto-Enrolment: Your Rights in 2026.

"Discrimination and whistleblowing"

Discrimination law in Northern Ireland is not the Equality Act 2010. It is in separate Northern Ireland laws, and the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland gives advice. If you raise concerns about wrongdoing, see Whistleblowing at Work in Northern Ireland.

Deadlines you must meet

• Most industrial tribunal claims: 3 months less 1 day, including unfair dismissal and discrimination.
• Early conciliation: tell the LRA within your time limit. The clock stops for up to 1 calendar month, plus up to 14 more days if both sides agree.
• Your exact date depends on your facts: see Industrial Tribunal Claims in Northern Ireland.

Money figures

From 1 September 2025:

• Starting pay for graduate teachers: £32,916.
• Top of the upper pay scale: £50,876.

Traps

• Do not use Great Britain rules here. There is no Acas early conciliation: use the LRA.
• The 6-month tribunal time limit from October 2026 is a Great Britain change. Most Northern Ireland claims stay at 3 months less 1 day.
• Do not use England's STPCD, academies rules or Teaching Regulation Agency in Northern Ireland.
• Teachers' pay in Northern Ireland has its own timetable. Do not assume an England, Wales or Scotland award applies here.