The NASUWT is consulting its members on the possibility of merging with the other TUC-affiliated teacher unions, Association of Teachers and Lecturers and the National Uion of Teachers. In recent years the three unions have co-operated on several issues.

The NASUWT has sent out a paper by its General Secretary (Designate), Eamonn O'Kane. The paper looks at current challenges in education and poses the question of the merger. Mr O'Kane said "The long debate in the Executive reflected the fact that many of my colleagues have serious reservations about discussion of possible mergers. Equally, however, they have shown their innate democratic instinct in agreeing to allow this important issue to go forward for debate amongst the members. Their decision will provoke a lively, informed and vigorous discussion. This will lead to a well-grounded decision on how the NASUWT can best adapt to the changing circumstances in which teachers will find themselves in the coming years."

The proposed merger could create an organisation representing 450,000 teachers and lecturers.