Bursaries and Contracts: Results of survey of Trainee & Newly Qualified Educational Psychologists
17/07/2024
In spring 2024, the Association of Educational Psychologists (AEP) conducted an anonymous survey of Trainee Educational Psychologist (TEP) and Newly Qualified Educational Psychologist (NQEP) members, to ask questions in relation to pay and conditions, the bursary and contracted work.
You can read a full analysis report of the results by clicking the link.
Responses & Conclusions
356 responses were received from TEP and NQEP* members of the AEP (*qualified between 2021 and 2023). The number of responses received by TEP members represented over half of our entire TEP membership.
Many conclusions can be drawn from the results, as well as insightful words shared by those training and new to the profession.
If as a profession we wish to continue espousing equality, diversity and inclusion as a value, it is vital that we properly remunerate trainees:
- Firstly, this is a moral imperative; all members of the profession should be able to live in comfort and dignity.
- Secondly, if we wish to support people from a diverse range of backgrounds to enter the profession, access to additional financial support should not have to be a prerequisite to training. As the cost-of-living crisis continues, inadequate means while training will effectively exclude those from low-income backgrounds from entering the profession.
- Thirdly, employment status provides a range of protections and benefits, which are vital for all, but are arguably most needed by those with protected characteristics under the Equality Act or other vulnerabilities like insecure finances.
Latest News & Activity
Curriculum and Assessment Review’s Interim Report : the the current system is 'not delivering for every child
The curriculum and assessment review interim report was published on Tuesday 18 March. Its findings revealed the the current system is 'not delivering for every child' as it sets out its next phase of work. The AEP urges the government to use the final report to deliver bold recommendations that put SEND support at the heart of curriculum and assessment reform in the UK to ensure every student receives the support they need to thrive.
The problem with Education, Health & Care Plans: AEP President comments in Schools Week
Schools Week today published a collection of articles relating to issues in the SEND system in England and Education, Health & Care Plans.
They spoke to AEP President, David Collingwood about his experience of working with EHCP plans and the serious impact of the shortage of Educational Psychologists (EPs) in Local Authorities.
Audit Scotland has published a new briefing on Additional Support for Learning.
Audit Scotland has published a new report on Additional Support for Learning.
The report raises concerns about the widening attainment gap in education, inconsistent data collection, and shortages in staff and resources affecting both pupils and education staff.
Soulbury Pay Settlement 2024
In February 2025, after careful consideration from all three Soulbury unions, the Officers' Side reluctantly accepted the 2024 pay offer.
The unions put on record their huge disappointment at this outcome, which represents yet another real terms pay cut and another significant worsening of Soulbury pay relative to teachers. The AEP National Executive Committee noted their reluctance to accept and expresses its disappointment at the Employers Side ‘final’ offer, which does not address the real terms decrease in Educational Psychologists’ pay over several years.
