Education secretary Charles Clarke has announced proposals to introduce a new pay award scheme for excellent teachers.

Government Response: Department for Education and Skills

Charles Clarke, education secretary said: "I remain indebted to both the Review Body and the other partners for the continued dedication and professionalism that they bring to the process.

"I am particularly pleased with their recommendations that the upper pay scale should cease at upper pay scale three and that a new excellent teacher scheme be established. These two recommendations are the culmination of a hard process of discussion involving a whole range of pay partners.

"They will provide certainty for schools and make a real difference to classroom teachers. I hope that the key role played by our partners reinforces the benefits of this approach to all involved and I am keen to hear views on the rest of the STRB recommendations in this area."

Forum Response: National Union of Teachers

Doug McAvoy, general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, said: "The danger of the collaboration of other teachers’ organisations with the government is starkly apparent.

"Rarely can there have been so much bad news for teachers. The clear message is if you do not resist this government then it gets all it wants and more.