Phased retirement for teachers drops by 51% amid affordability concerns

The number of teachers in the UK taking phased retirement has dropped by more than half in 10 years, according to figures from Wesleyan Financial Services. 

An Freedom of Information (FOI) submitted to the Department for Education (DfE) showed phased retirement fell 51% from 955 in 2014/15 to 468 in 2024/25.

Wesleyan’s survey found over half (52%) would consider phased retirement, but 43% were put off by worries about affordability. 

A lack of flexible roles in schools was also a concern for 35%.

41% felt it helps to ease into retirement while keeping routine and purpose, and 38% said it could help manage burnout risk.

Steven Renfrew, head of education at Wesleyan, said: “The start of a new school year is often when we get a spike in teachers thinking about their retirement options.

“Phased retirement can be win-win for schools and educators. 

“It helps teachers start their retirement journey without having to leave the classroom altogether, while retaining their experience and skill – something that’s critical at a time when we’re already facing a national teacher shortage.”