Of all respondents, only 89 had taught as an employed teacher in a school since September 2020, this is 23% of the sample, about 7% less than last year, which is probably to be expected given the circumstances of the pandemic. The majority of these respondents were employed at independent schools, a considerably higher percentage than last year.

Most of the respondents reported their hourly rate, with bottom and top rates having slightly increased overall since last year; although the median rate remains at £30 per hour. As expected, the rates are higher in independent schools than state schools, by around £5 per hour across the sample. However, rates are much lower overall in music services or hubs.

Hourly rates for employed music teachers by school type (excl. music school as only one respondent)

Group teaching or ensemble rates

Despite the many restrictions due to coronavirus, 48 respondents did report that they were currently able to teach groups or ensembles, and rates ranged from £18.81 per hour to £50 per hour. Group sizes ranged from two to 50.

Holiday pay

Just under 50% of employed teachers said their holiday entitlement is pro-rated. Of those, close to half answered that their holiday is part of their hourly rate – similar to 2019.

Pension scheme

Respondents were asked whether or not they were enrolled in their employer’s pension scheme. Half of respondents said they are (43 out of the 85 respondents that answered the question) with the majority being enrolled in the Teacher’s Pension Scheme.

Weeks working

Most of the part-time employees answered how many weeks they work during a normal school year and the majority work between 30 and 37 weeks, although 15 respondents said they usually work the full 38 weeks of a normal school year.

Number of children taught

Most respondents told us how many children they teach (73 out of the 89 employed teachers). Due to the current situation we asked them how many children they were teaching prior to lockdown to get an accurate picture of the normal situation.

Responses ranged from two up to 175 but the majority taught between 12 and 55 children with the median of 25 which has not changed since the previous year. Respondents were then asked whether the number of children they are currently teaching has decreased, which just over half (52.5%) said was the case.

For our full survey results see The ISM’s annual survey of teaching, examining and accompanying rates: Results 2021.