Let’s hear it for the teachers and support staff! You are the champions of the classroom, masters of multitasking and deserve some perks and recognition for all you do. If you’re employed in education and haven’t yet heard about the Blue Light Card for teachers, this one is for you.
The Blue Light Card has traditionally supported emergency services and NHS staff – since August 2024, teachers are now eligible for a card. From holiday discounts to freebies and offers, here’s everything you need to know about Blue Light Card teachers’ benefits.
What is a Blue Light Card?
Blue Light Cards were introduced in 2008 by organisation founders Tom and Steve. They wanted a way to thank those who work in the emergency services. In 2012, the extended brand launched a card for those working in defence services like the Army and the Royal Air Force.
After the organisation’s success in 2023, the Blue Light Foundation was created to fund programmes that support those within the Blue Light community.
A Blue Light Card gives the cardholder special discounts and offers with over 15,000 brands. This can be in the form of discount codes to apply to online or in-store purchases, additional offers and deals and even free festival and concert tickets.
Can teachers get a Blue Light Card?
Yes! Teachers and support staff are eligible (since August 2024) to apply for a Blue Light Card. The organisation wanted to recognise teachers and workers in homelessness as key workers who support the community through education and shape future generations.
Can retired teachers get a Blue Light Card?
Unfortunately not, the Blue Light Card teachers’ benefits are only for current teachers and support staff. Although once you pay your fee (£4.99), your card is valid for 2 years, if you are due to retire in the immediate future, your card will be valid 24 months after purchase.
One discount membership available to retired teachers is Discounts for Teachers. It’s a free membership that recognises teachers, retirees, and others in the education sector. You can benefit from discounts, cashback, and offers via the website – it’s undoubtedly worth a look!
Can university lecturers get a Blue Light Card?
Higher education providers, like universities, are not currently included in the Blue Light Card eligibility divisions.
Who can get a Blue Light Card?
The current teacher Blue Light Card eligibility list covers those working in:
- Early years and primary schools
- Secondary schools (including sixth forms)
- Special schools and Pupil Referral Units (PRUs) or Alternative Provision (AP)
- Vocational institutions (this includes settings that prepare students for a specific trade or job)
- Centrally employed programmes (these settings are government-funded programmes targeting the education of a specific group in need)
How does a Blue Light Card work?
The Blue Light Card for teachers allows you to benefit from discounts and offers and apply for freebies (like concert tickets). Here’s how the Blue Light Card process works:
- You’ll register for a card and choose the ‘teachers’ service
- Once you’ve sent in a picture of your ID or recent payslip to confirm that you are eligible. You’ll pay the fee, which is £4.99.
- You’ll be prompted to set up a Blue Light Card account, you’ll need a work email address, a work ID, or a payslip to be verified.
- The approval process may involve a slight wait (though typically only a few days if they’re busy). Once you’re approved, you’ll get an email or message to finish the setting up process.
- The Blue Light Card app provides access to discount information for each brand and deals you might be interested in.
- You’re good to go – start saving in-store or online.
Blue Light Card teachers’ benefits
The Blue Light Card for teachers gives lots of discounts and special offers. From money off your next holiday (up to £150 with some brands), discounts for purchases and deals for meals out and entertainment. The benefits for teachers are huge.
Here are some of the categories teachers can get discounts on with the card:
- Energy prices (further to the introduction of the increased energy price cap, Blue Light cardholders can access additional savings and money off)
- Health and fitness (i.e. free gym day passes, discounts on monthly memberships and extended trial periods)
- Food (such as discounts on the weekly shop, a cheaper meal out with friends or freebies at restaurants)
- Holidays (Giving teachers exclusive deals and discounts for much needed holidays and trips away. Many big brands are associated with the Blue Light Card.)
- Treats and gifts (teachers access discounts and deals on well-known brands such as Pandora, Nike and Apple with a Blue Light Card)
The Blue Light Card for teachers is more than just a discount card – it’s a little thank you for the big difference teachers and support staff make every single day.
From early years to sixth form college, teachers shape lives, spark curiosity, and offer support far beyond the curriculum. Your pupils may not remember what you taught them, but they’ll always remember how you made them feel – encouraged, seen, and capable.
Teachers can enjoy well-deserved savings as a small nod to the huge role they play in their communities with the Blue Light Card.
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