Assumptions and pay data
- These figures are an illustration, not your employer's scheme. Your contract and sickness policy decide your sick pay.
- Most schemes deduct paid sick leave from a recent period, often the last 12 months, before working out what is left.
Sick Pay Entitlement Calculator
England (primary coverage)Confirm with your employerReviewed 8/10/2026
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Guide for FE Principal
This guide summarises occupational sick pay for FE Principal under Further Education pay at Further Education. Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is usually paid as part of occupational sick pay, not on top of it.
Sick pay for FE Principal
As FE Principal at Further Education, occupational sick pay usually follows Further Education. With around five years' continuous service, illustrative entitlement might be up to 6 months on full pay and 6 months on half pay in a rolling period. Self-certification is often allowed for the first seven days; a fit note is commonly required after that.
Fit notes and rolling periods
Self-certification is often allowed for the first seven days. Some employers use a rolling period (for example four years) that limits how much full and half pay you can use. Check your policy for qualifying service and evidence requirements.
Example scenario
Example at 5 years' service: 6 months' full pay and 6 months' half pay, our illustration, not your employer's scheme
| Sector terms (example) | Further Education |
|---|---|
| Years of service (example) | 5 |
| Full pay months (example) | 6 |
| Half pay months (example) | 6 |
Frequently asked questions
How much sick pay do college staff get?
It depends on your employer's sickness policy. The calculator uses an illustrative scale to show how service changes the figures: 2 months' full pay and 2 months' half pay in your first two years, 4 months of each in your third and fourth years and 6 months of each after 4 years.
What if my contract has no sick pay scheme?
Then the legal minimum is Statutory Sick Pay, if you qualify. Most public sector employers pay more, so check your contract first.
Do you store my information?
Your calculator inputs and results stay in your browser and are not stored. We only collect your name and email if you choose to give them, for example to download your results or sign up for email updates. We store them with MailerLite, our email provider, along with the page you were on. See our privacy policy.
About this role
What is an FE Principal?
An FE Principal leads a further education college, with responsibility for strategy, quality and finances. Pay is on senior leadership scales.
Typical demands, progression and balance
College leadership offers high impact on learners and staff. Pay and satisfaction depend on college size and context. Progression to group or system roles is possible.
What sick pay am I entitled to?
Contractual sick pay usually depends on length of service. Use the calculator above to see full pay and half pay periods for your sector. Always check your employer's policy and fit-note requirements.
Disclaimer
Illustrative estimates, not legal or HR advice. Your contract and your employer's policy decide your actual entitlement.