Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association

Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association Founded in 1944, the Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association is Scotland’s only specialist union

Founded in 1944, the Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association is Scotland’s only specialist union for Secondary Teachers. The union was set up to focus on secondary issues, initially as a reaction to the undue influence exercised on national education issues at that time by the primary sector. Nowadays this has developed into a commitment to ensure that the secondary view is properly represented.

From its inception the SSTA has been a real trade union with twin aims:

- To advance education in Scotland
- To safeguard and promote the interests of Scottish secondary teachers in all matters, especially those which affect salaries and conditions of service. The Association works to promote these two main aims in many ways:

- Ensuring that the secondary view is heard
- Formulating policies to reflect the views and needs of members
- Responding to consultations on educational matters
- Representing members and their views to Scottish Government, SQA, GTCS and other national bodies such as SCRE and Education Scotland
- Advising members on curricular, professional and contractual matters
- Campaigning to maintain educational standards
Negotiating salaries and conditions of service in the SNCT
Campaigning for improvement and against deterioration in salaries and conditions of service. The SSTA is affiliated to the STUC and Education International and is extremely active in both organisations. The SSTA contribution to educational debate and the formulation of policy is well recognised and respected. The SSTA has an absolute commitment to Equal Opportunities which informs all of its policies and activities. This involves working nationally and internationally to improve not only standards of education, but also social conditions for all.

Teacher Shortages Stem from Workforce Planning Failures and Deteriorating Working ConditionsThe SSTA has warned that gro...
12/06/2026

Teacher Shortages Stem from Workforce Planning Failures and Deteriorating Working Conditions

The SSTA has warned that growing shortages of specialist secondary teachers are the result of years of inadequate workforce planning, weak retention strategies, and increasingly challenging working conditions.

The Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association (SSTA) has warned that growing shortages of specialist secondary teachers are the result of years of inadequate workforce planning, weak retention strategies, and increasingly challenging working conditions. Responding to reports that secondary schools ...

Member Bulletin – 11 June 2026- 7% Pay Claim Rejected- Don’t Say Yes, Say How - Managing Teacher Workload (WTA)- Changes...
11/06/2026

Member Bulletin – 11 June 2026

- 7% Pay Claim Rejected
- Don’t Say Yes, Say How - Managing Teacher Workload (WTA)
- Changes to the PVG Scheme

The SSTA Congress motion was submitted to this week’s SNCT Teachers’ Side meeting. The motion called for a 7% pay uplift for all secondary school teachers until the Scottish Government fulfilled its commitment to deliver a 90-minute reduction in class contact time. The Teachers’ Side consider...

Member Bulletin – 3 June 2026 - Managing Teacher Workload (WTA) – Don’t Say Yes, Say How- Part-time teachers: FAQs
03/06/2026

Member Bulletin – 3 June 2026

- Managing Teacher Workload (WTA) – Don’t Say Yes, Say How
- Part-time teachers: FAQs

Managing Teacher Workload (WTA) – Don’t Say Yes, Say How Working Time Agreements (WTAs) for the next school year are currently being negotiated in many schools. These agreements should determine how teachers’ 35-hour working week is organised and allocated. Remember that the maximum class c...

It was a privilege to attend the STARME Festival of Learning 2026 today and was inspiring to meet so many dedicated RME ...
15/05/2026

It was a privilege to attend the STARME Festival of Learning 2026 today and was inspiring to meet so many dedicated RME and Philosophy teachers from across Scotland, hear about the outstanding work taking place in schools, and discuss how we continue to strengthen and advance the subject.

A huge thank you to the organisers - who have volunteered their own time - and whose hard work made the event possible. The scale and quality of the day is testament to the commitment and professionalism of Scotland’s RME teachers, who continue to create invaluable opportunities for sharing good practice and provide professional learning.

Events like this show the strength of our secondary teachers and the importance of continuing to support subject-specific professional learning opportunities. We would encourage our RME and Philosophy teacher members to get involved and support this fantastic work!

01/05/2026

Happy International Workers’ Day!

The SSTA Health & Safety Survey closes Monday 27 April If you haven’t yet responded, please take a few minutes to share ...
24/04/2026

The SSTA Health & Safety Survey closes Monday 27 April

If you haven’t yet responded, please take a few minutes to share your experience of workload & work-related stress. A reminder email with the survey link has been sent to members today

Your voice helps us push for real change

22/04/2026

01/04/2026

Address

West End House, 14 West End Place
Edinburgh
EH112ED

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4:45pm
Tuesday 9am - 4:45pm
Wednesday 9am - 4:45pm
Thursday 9am - 4:45pm
Friday 9am - 4:15pm

Telephone

+441313137300

Website

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