The UK government has announced a new package designed to retain experienced teachers in secondary schools in underprivileged areas. Dubbed "golden handcuffs," the scheme will involve payments of £10,000 to teachers committing to staying in their schools for three years. Schools with 30% or more of pupils eligible for free school meals or underperforming schools where under 30% of students gain five good GCSEs or equivalent are among those eligible to apply for support under the scheme. The government anticipates 500 schools will be eligible with hopes that up to 6,000 school appointments will be made each year. Schools taking part will also be able to share two new "excellent teacher" or "advanced skills teacher" posts to help retain and develop existing staff.

The top priority should be given to parenting classes for families that are most vulnerable. This was affirmed by a spokesperson who added that while the quality of teaching and school leadership play vital roles in determining a school’s impact on social mobility, the funding and accountability systems also need to be reformed. This would create an incentive for underprivileged students to be taken by schools.

The accountability system tends to opt for schools that recruit the brightest students from the most motivated families. If the government truly intends to promote social mobility, it needs to reform funding and accountability in a manner that would facilitate that objective.

Chris Keates, the general secretary of the NASUWT teachers’ union, was of the opinion that some schools face more challenges, obstacles, and difficulties than others in their quest to close the attainment gap. The measures introduced are aimed at such schools. Nonetheless, a monetary reward alone cannot replace continuous support and recognition for all teachers, particularly those who have devoted several years of their time and effort.