Staff absence insurance for schools helps individual schools and academies protect their budgets when teaching or support staff are absent. Schools UK provides AXA-underwritten cover with flexible benefits, paperless claims, live claim tracking and wellbeing support for the whole school community.
This cover is designed for schools and academies managing their own policy and claims. Your business manager or authorised team keeps direct control, with a choice of benefit levels and excess periods to suit your school’s budget and absence risk.
To make things even easier, we provide a state-of-the-art claims system with live push notifications, so you can track the status of your claim in real time, 24/7. We’re also known for extremely fast turnaround times and payments. As part of our commitment to staff wellbeing, every member of your team — not just those covered by the insurance — will have access to our Schools UK Health Premium Gold Package, delivered by our sister brand Schools UK Health.
We’re FCA approved, FSCS protected, and have supported schools with trusted cover for over 27 years. We’re also proud to be partnered with Schools North East and ISBL, and we’re an approved supplier through Constellia. Thousands of schools across the UK trust our staff absence insurance for reliable protection.
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Self & Med certs
valid claim guarantee
24/7 live claim status
axa underwritten
Staff Absence Insurance Designed for Individual Schools
A chosen daily benefit up to £350.00
Tailored for Business Managers
You need a policy that’s simple, secure, and genuinely works when you need it. With Schools UK:
- You manage your school’s policy directly
- Claims are streamlined and transparent
- Wellbeing is embedded, not bolted on
- And there are no discretionary grey areas
GET A QUOTE TODAY For your school Staff Absence insurance Policy.
GET A QUOTE TODAYStaff Absence Insurance For School FAQS
Why is Schools UK considered a top provider on the market?
Staff absence insurance for schools by Schools UK. Backed by 29+ years of experience, 5,000+ policies written, AXA underwriting, and a live-status claims system.
How does staff absence insurance work for an individual school?
Staff absence insurance for schools provided by Schools UK includes:
- AXA Underwritten Policies.
- Fast payment turnaround times.
- Sickness or injury.
- Bereavement or compassionate leave.
- Jury service.
- Family care responsibilities.
- Maternity and paternity-related absences.
- Other specific situations like staff suspension or union duties.
Who underwrites Schools UK’s insurance policies?
All Schools UK policies are underwritten by AXA, a globally trusted insurer. This gives every school confidence in the financial backing and credibility behind the cover.
Who is Schools UK partnered with?
Schools UK is proudly partnered with ISBL, Schools North East, and other leading educational bodies, keeping our solutions aligned with school priorities and trust-level needs.
Can we include part-time on the staff absence insurance policy?
Yes, part-time staff can be included. Their coverage is adjusted based on the proportion of hours they work, known as full-time equivalent (FTE). This ensures their insurance benefits align with their working hours
Is Schools UK FCA regulated and FSCS protected?
Yes. Schools UK is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and covered under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), providing complete peace of mind.
When was Schools UK established?
Schools UK was founded in 1997 and has almost three decades of experience — and 5,000+ policies written — helping schools, academies, and trusts across the UK with absence protection.
What excess period should a school choose?
Excess periods refer to the number of days you must wait at the beginning of an absence before the insurance starts paying. Essentially, it’s a waiting period before benefits kick in. The length of this period can vary based on the circumstances and the choices made during the setup of the policy.
Does the policy cover maternity leave?
Yes, the policy includes coverage for maternity leave. Schools UK offers a lump sum payment when a staff member returns to work after their maternity leave, helping schools manage the costs associated with this type of absence. This ensures minimal disruption to school operations. Additionally, the policy covers pregnancy-related illnesses leading up to the maternity leave, providing further support if a staff member is unwell due to pregnancy before their leave begins. Specific terms and conditions apply regarding eligibility and timing.
How does the policy handle pre-existing conditions?
Generally, pre-existing conditions are not covered, especially if a staff member has had an extended absence in the year before the policy starts. However, if you want pre-existing conditions covered, this can be arranged on specific request.
What wellbeing services are included with the policy?
Schools UK offers a comprehensive range of wellbeing services that are separate from the absence insurance. These include:
- Musculoskeletal support (like physiotherapy and chiropractic care).
- Confidential counselling services (including phone and face-to-face options).
- 24/7 access to a GP for staff and their families.
& more.
Interested in standalone wellbeing? Get a quote here at Schools UK Health.
What does a school need to submit a claim?
Staff absence insurance claims can be submitted online.
Where is Schools UK based?
Schools UK is based at 1A Moor Road, LS6 4BG, in Headingley, West Yorkshire. We proudly support schools, academies, and trusts across the entire UK.
GET A QUOTE TODAY For your school Staff Absence insurance Policy.
GET A QUOTE TODAY For your school Staff Absence insurance Policy.
We have been a client with Schools UK for 5 years now, growing from a trust of 2 schools up to 14. Schools UK’s staff absence insurance for schools policy helps to support our employee’s through their wellbeing package, whilst also helping to protect our financial budget where a staff absence occurs. Their personal level of service is fantastic, with friendly, helpful and knowledgeable staff.
Stephanie Bass
Bridge Schools Multi Academy Trust.
