Teacher Maternity Pay & Leave: Burgundy Book & Academy Guide

Maternity Pay and Leave for Teachers

If you're a teacher in England or Wales, your maternity pay is typically more generous than the statutory minimum, thanks to the Burgundy Book conditions of service. However, the exact package depends on whether you work for a local authority school, academy, or free school.

Burgundy Book Maternity Pay

The Burgundy Book, which covers teachers employed by local authority-maintained schools, provides the following maternity pay:

•Weeks 1-4: Full pay

•Weeks 5-6: 90% of average weekly earnings (the statutory 90% rate)

•Weeks 7-24: Half pay plus SMP (combined, this cannot exceed full pay)

•Weeks 25-39: SMP only (£194.32/week for 2026/27)

•Weeks 40-52: Unpaid

To qualify for the enhanced pay, you must have at least one year's continuous service by the 11th week before your due date and intend to return to work after maternity leave.

Academy and Free School Teachers

Academies and free schools set their own terms and conditions, which means maternity pay can vary significantly. Some academies mirror the Burgundy Book terms, while others offer different packages. Always check your contract and your academy trust's maternity policy.

Common academy maternity pay arrangements include:

•Burgundy Book terms (identical to local authority schools)

•Enhanced packages exceeding Burgundy Book terms

•A bespoke trust maternity scheme — some multi-academy trusts have developed their own policies that may offer more or less than the Burgundy Book

•SMP only (less common but not unheard of, particularly in newer or smaller trusts)

If you're joining an academy, request a copy of the maternity policy before accepting the role, especially if you're planning a family. Your union representative can help you understand how the terms compare with the Burgundy Book. If you're being transferred from a local authority school to an academy through a TUPE transfer, your existing Burgundy Book maternity terms should be protected.

Supply Teachers

Supply teachers face some of the most challenging maternity pay situations in the teaching profession. Your entitlement depends entirely on how you're employed:

•Employed by a supply agency: You may qualify for SMP from the agency if you have 26 weeks' continuous service and earn at least £129/week on average. However, gaps between assignments can break continuity, so check your contract carefully

•Employed directly by a school on a fixed-term contract: You may qualify for SMP or even Burgundy Book terms if you have sufficient continuous service

•Self-employed supply teachers: You won't qualify for SMP, but you can claim Maternity Allowance if you've been registered as self-employed for at least 26 weeks in the 66-week period before your due date

If you're a supply teacher and unsure about your status, read our guide on maternity pay for agency and zero-hours workers for more detailed advice on navigating these complex situations.

How Teacher Maternity Pay Compares

For a teacher on a salary of £35,000:

•Burgundy Book: Approximately £19,750 over 39 weeks

•SMP only: Approximately £10,050 over 39 weeks

•Difference: Around £9,700 extra under Burgundy Book terms

Use our Maternity Pay Calculator to see your SMP baseline.

The Return-to-Work Condition

Like the NHS, the enhanced half-pay element under Burgundy Book terms is conditional on returning to work for at least 13 weeks (one term). If you don't return:

•You must repay the half-pay element

•You keep all SMP received

•You keep the first 4 weeks of full pay

Some teachers use this strategically — if you're unsure about returning, discuss the financial implications with your union representative before committing.

Planning Your Teaching Leave

Teachers have unique considerations when planning maternity leave:

Timing and Terms

•Starting your leave at the beginning of a half-term or term break can maximise your time off

•Consider how your maternity leave interacts with school holidays — you're "on leave" during holidays, but it can feel like bonus time

•If possible, plan so your return coincides with the start of a new term

Handover

•Prepare detailed schemes of work and resources for your cover

•Brief your cover teacher on individual student needs

•Update your marking and assessment records

Annual Leave

Teachers on Burgundy Book terms don't have a separate annual leave entitlement (it's included in school holidays). However, if maternity leave prevents you from taking holiday during term breaks, you may be entitled to additional leave.

Pension During Maternity Leave

Teachers' Pension Scheme members should note:

•Employer contributions continue during paid maternity leave based on your actual pensionable pay

•You can elect to make additional contributions for the unpaid period

•KIT days are pensionable

KIT Days for Teachers

Keeping In Touch days can be particularly useful for teachers:

•Attend INSET days to stay current

•Participate in moderation or exam preparation

•Meet with your department to review curriculum changes

•Complete safeguarding or first aid refresher training

Financial Planning for Teachers

Teachers' maternity pay is relatively generous, but it still represents a significant income drop during the flat-rate period. Here's how to prepare:

•Calculate your SMP baseline with our free calculator

•Calculate your Child Benefit entitlement

•Check your take-home pay after tax

•Read our financial planning guide

•Consider Shared Parental Leave if your partner would benefit

Know Your Rights

Teachers have the same maternity rights as all employees:

•52 weeks of leave regardless of service length

•Protection from unfair dismissal

•Right to return to the same role

•Paid time off for antenatal appointments