The Department for Education and Teachers' Pensions values the inclusion of Independent Schools within the Teachers' Pension Scheme. If you're considering removing your school from the Scheme, this doesn't close the door to the Scheme. If you change your mind, the option to rejoin at a later date is open. Similarly, if you've decided to choose Phased Withdrawal, you can change your mind and reinstate full membership of the Scheme at a later date.

As an Independent school, you have the right to leave the Teachers’ Pension Scheme, however you must consider the benefits that your members will be missing out on.

If you decide to leave the Scheme, you’ll have to consult with your staff and trade unions where appropriate and advise that there may be changes to their contract of employment.

You’ll also need to provide an alternative pension scheme, the type of which is up to you, but you should be aware that members cannot transfer their existing pension unless it’s to another defined benefit scheme.

The various steps you need to complete in order to leave the Scheme can be found in our checklist.

Read our Leaving the Teachers’ Pension Scheme checklist (This link opens in a new window)

Once you’ve decided to leave you need to inform us of your decision to do so.

As soon as we’re made aware of your leaving date, we’ll provide your affected employees with vital information they need to know about their benefits.

We suggest you familiarise yourself with the emails, letters, and factsheet we refer to in case your employees have any queries.

Download the member factsheet (PDF, 54 KB) (This link opens in a new window)