Reduction in Class Contact Time – ‘More Excuses’
The SSTA, alongside other teacher unions, has been waiting for four years to discuss the proposed 90-minute reduction in teacher class contact time—without success. The most recent SNCT meeting, held on 25 June, saw no progress, as COSLA refused to share any documentation.
Throughout the summer, however, information not shared with teacher unions has been freely circulated via the TES. These articles are worth reading (links provided below).
Misinformation and assumptions have been shared publicly while unions remain excluded from the discussion. This only strengthens concerns that decisions—or excuses—are being developed to block the implementation of this critical measure to reduce teacher workload.
Our ‘Delivering the 90 Minutes and Protecting Secondary Teachers’ member survey is a vital part of our campaign. Thank you to the thousands of members who have already responded. Reminders will be issued shortly for those yet to participate.
Related articles:
- Swinney threatens councils to cut class contact time (16 July 2025)
- Revealed: Government contact time proposal rejected by councils (22 July 2025)
SNCT Pay Claim 2025–2026 – ‘Late Again’
Scottish teaching unions have expressed their frustration over the lack of progress in pay negotiations. As a result, the deadline to implement higher salaries by the start of August has been missed.
The SSTA’s concerns were featured in a TES article on 3 July 2025, which included a statement from COSLA claiming a two-year deal had been offered to the entire Scottish local government workforce—including teachers. This raises serious questions: is COSLA again undermining and bypassing the SNCT pay negotiating process?
Related article:
National Qualifications – ‘Teachers Have Done Well
Scottish secondary teachers have once again demonstrated professionalism and dedication in delivering this year’s national qualifications. Every effort has been made to ensure all students had the opportunity to fulfil their potential. This marks the second year of full course assessment since the Covid pandemic.
Read the SQA’s statement here:
Recruit a Member
The start of the new term brings fresh faces to our staffrooms. Please take a moment to welcome new colleagues and encourage them to join the SSTA. One new member in every school makes a real difference. There are several great offers for new members—just direct them to the SSTA website, where joining is quick and easy. www.ssta.org.uk/join
SSTA Membership Offers
- NQTS – Free Until January 2027
- New Members – 50% off subscription fees for the first 12 months
- Part-time members – Pay a reduced subscription of 50% off the full-time subscription