Independent schools continue to leave the Teachers’ Pension Scheme

As more independent schools leave the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS) a significant minority have joined or rejoined, a Freedom of Information request has found. 

According to the latest request by independent school pension and employee benefit specialists, Secondsight, a further 97 schools have now left, or are leaving, the TPS since the last request made in January 2025. This takes the number since 2019 to 410 from 313, meaning 618 remain in the scheme, as of July. 

A further 14 schools are also now in phased withdrawal, whereby existing teachers remain in the TPS while new recruits pay into a defined contribution scheme, taking the number in this category to 283 since 2021. 

But also since 2019, a further 80 schools have joined or re-joined the TPS, according to the Department for Education. 

Secondsight’s Caroline Gaines said: “Given the clear direction of travel since 2019 of independent schools leaving the TPS, to see schools joining or re-joining goes against the trend. 

“While these schools may be part of a wider group, it demonstrates the principle underpinning our consulting in the independent sector: each school is unique. 

“It might be tempting to take for granted that independent schools facing a financial threat they cannot control will want to leave the TPS but a detailed review with a meaningful consultation exercise will ultimately identify what’s best for the school and its staff.” 

Caroline added that a new employment rights bill due next October could add further time pressure on schools wishing to leave the TPS ahead of these changes, and it may limit the ability to provide any consultation the time it needs beyond the standard minimum requirements.   

This may push schools to bring forward any intended review. The risk of rushing this may result in poor outcomes for both the school and the teaching staff it values. Any school considering reviewing the TPS is urged to plan with this possibility in mind.