Teach17

Most teachers know the names of the main teaching unions, but Edapt takes a different approach. It is not a trade union. Instead, it provides individual employment advice, casework and legal support to teachers and other school staff in England and Wales.

That makes it an interesting option for staff who want professional protection but do not necessarily want the wider role of a traditional union.

Here are 17 useful things to know before deciding whether it is right for you.

1. Edapt is not a trade union

Edapt describes itself as an alternative to traditional education trade union membership. It focuses on supporting individual members rather than acting as a collective trade union.

2. Its main purpose is employment and legal support

The service is designed to help if you face problems such as allegations, disciplinary action, grievances, employment disputes or other difficulties arising from your work in education.

3. It is politically independent

Edapt says it is apolitical and does not participate in political lobbying. This is one of the main ways in which it differs from some traditional teaching unions.

4. It does not organise strikes

Edapt does not organise or take part in industrial action. If you want a membership organisation that represents staff collectively in disputes over pay, conditions or national policy, this distinction is important.

5. You can contact it for advice before a situation becomes serious

You do not have to wait until you are facing a formal hearing. Getting advice early can be useful if you are worried about an allegation, meeting, complaint, grievance or developing employment problem.

6. It uses specialist education caseworkers

Edapt says its caseworkers and legal professionals have experience of education employment matters. That means the advice should be grounded in the realities of working in schools and colleges.

7. It can support you through allegations

An allegation involving a pupil, parent or colleague can become stressful very quickly. Edapt provides individual support to subscribers throughout the process.

8. It can accompany you to formal meetings

Depending on the circumstances, support can include accompaniment at disciplinary and grievance hearings rather than leaving you to handle the process alone.

9. Representation can extend further

Eligible cases may also receive representation at employment tribunals or professional conduct hearings, subject to Edapt’s terms and conditions.

10. Legal costs can be substantial

Edapt currently advertises cover of up to £150,000 in legal costs for eligible cases. As with any legal or professional protection, it is sensible to read the conditions and exclusions rather than relying only on the headline figure.

11. Support is available beyond the normal school day

Edapt currently advertises support from 8am until 7pm, Monday to Friday. That can be helpful when a problem arises late in the school day.

12. It is not only for teachers

Subscribers can include classroom teachers, middle leaders, headteachers, teaching assistants, support staff, supply teachers, trainees and other people working in schools or further education.

13. It covers different types of school

Edapt supports staff working across settings including academies, free schools and independent schools, as well as other schools and colleges.

14. It currently covers England and Wales

Edapt is available to eligible education staff working in England and Wales, but it does not currently provide the same service in Scotland or Northern Ireland.

15. There is also a large amount of employment guidance

Its website includes advice on issues such as pay and conditions, allegations, parental leave, disciplinary procedures, employment rights and professional conduct. That can be useful even if you never need formal casework.

16. The price depends on your circumstances

Subscription costs vary according to factors such as your role, whether you work full or part time and how you pay. For the 2026/27 academic year, Edapt says a typical classroom teacher paying annually pays £205, with a 10% discount for annual payment. Trainee and early-career teachers may qualify for much lower introductory rates.

17. The biggest question is what you want from your membership

Edapt may appeal if your priority is individual employment advice, professional representation and legal protection without political activity or industrial action.

A traditional teaching union may be more suitable if you also value collective bargaining, workplace representation, campaigning on national issues and participation in union-led industrial action.

That is probably the most important comparison to make.

Edapt is not simply a cheaper version of a teaching union. It is a different model.

For some teachers, the individual focus will be exactly what they want. For others, the collective role of a traditional union will remain important.

Whichever route you choose, it is worth having some form of professional employment support in place before you ever need it.

Find out more at: https://www.edapt.org.uk/