“Schools are starved of funding and there are no ‘efficiencies’ to be made.

“A fully funded above-inflation pay rise for educators is necessary.”

The motion calls on the NEU executive to encourage districts, branches and school groups to “immediately” prepare for a formal ballot and mobilise for the June 7 People’s Assembly demonstration.

It also proposes the launch of a formal industrial action ballot if the final outcome of the STRB process “remains unacceptable” or if the government does not announce real-terms funding increases in the June spending review.

The majority of NEU teacher members in England recently told a preliminary ballot that they would be willing to take strike action to secure a fully funded and significantly higher pay award.