Teacher Pay Scales (England, UK)

Which schools are required to follow the teacher pay scales?

Schools that must adhere to the teacher pay scales are those under the jurisdiction of the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions (STPC) guidance. Specifically, this includes schools and local authorities that are part of the maintained sector. They are required to comply with the established pay scales unless they can provide a valid reason for deviation and justify their actions.

In contrast, non-maintained schools, such as academies, independent schools, and private institutions, have the flexibility to establish their own pay structures and are not obligated to follow the STPC pay guidelines.

Regional Pay Variations

There are higher salaries for teachers in London (Inner, Outer and Fringe). Pay variations take into account:

• Cost of living considerations
• Teacher Salary Scales in Various London Areas

If you're considering a teaching career in London, understanding the salary scale variations is essential. Here's a detailed breakdown of what teachers on the main and upper pay scales can expect to earn across different London regions.

Inner London

For educators in Inner London, salaries are notably higher, reflecting the area's cost of living. Teachers can earn approximately £7,000 more than the rest of the UK.

Outer London

In Outer London, the salary range for teachers is slightly lower than Inner London, approximately £4,700 more than the rest of the UK. This region balances proximity to the city with a reduced cost of living compared to Inner London.

London Fringe

Teachers working in the London fringe areas can expect salaries approximately £1,400 more than the rest of the UK. This zone typically offers a more suburban lifestyle while still providing reasonable access to the city.

These figures illustrate how geographic location within London impacts teacher salaries, ensuring compensation aligns with each area's living expenses.

Early Career Teachers (ECTs)

Early Career Teachers 'ECTs' (previously known as Newly qualified teachers 'NQTs') typically start on the Main Pay Scale.

Individuals beginning their teaching careers in England can expect a minimum starting salary of MPS1. For new teachers working in London, the starting salary will be increased significantly to take into account the increased cost of living in and around London.

Qualified Teacher Pay Scale Progression

Here we look at the transition from Main Pay Scale (MPS) to Upper Pay Scale (UPS), where the main criteria for progression is based on experience and performance.

In England, teachers received a 5.5% pay increase for the 2024-25 academic year and 4% for the 2025-26 academic year. These adjustments come after the Department for Education's announcement, which updates the existing teacher pay scales.

If you’re curious about the main and upper salary scales for teachers within England but outside the London zones, here's a concise breakdown.

These salary scales provide teachers with a pathway for financial growth as their careers advance. 

Understanding Unqualified Teacher Pay Scales Across England

If you're exploring a career as an unqualified teacher in England, it's essential to know how salary ranges differ based on location. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to earn in various regions:

Unqualified Teachers in areas outside the bustling capital can expect a starting salary as low as Level 1 through to Level 6 as they gain experience. 

The salary variation for the London districts (Inner, Outer and Fringe) reflects living costs and demand in each area, allowing unqualified teachers to find opportunities that fit their professional and personal needs.

How Are Unqualified Teachers Paid in England?

Unqualified teachers in England (those who haven't earned Qualified Teacher Status ‘QTS’) are compensated using a distinct pay scale. The salary structure takes into account both experience and geographical location within England.

Unqualified teachers are typically paid around £10,000 a year less than a qualified or QTS teacher (outside of London). The exact amount an unqualified teacher earns hinges on several factors, including:

·         Location: Different regions have varying pay due to cost-of-living differences.

·         Experience: More years in the classroom typically lead to higher pay.

Understanding these scales can guide unqualified teachers in assessing potential earnings based on their geographical choice and career progress. This comprehensive approach ensures equity across different parts of England while providing opportunities for growth based on experience.

Leadership Pay Scale (L1 to L43)

Here we take a look at the separate pay scale for leadership roles for roles such as Headteachers and Senior Leadership positions, and the influence of role and school size on pay.

Headteacher Salaries Across Different Regions of England

If you're curious about the earnings of headteachers in England, the pay varies significantly depending on the region. Let's dive into what you can expect in different areas:

Headteacher Salary Range in England (Excluding London)

In regions outside of London, headteachers can expect annual salaries starting from L1 to L43. The exact amount depends on factors like the school's size and budget.

Each region offers a unique living and working experience, so compensation packages often reflect these differences.

Pay Progression

Let's take a look at the annual nature of additional payments, pay progression and performance-related factors.

Understanding Additional Payments for Teachers

Teachers have opportunities to earn extra income beyond their standard salaries. These additional payments acknowledge their contributions and responsibilities. Let's delve into two key types of payments: Teaching and Learning Responsibility (TLR) payments and Teacher Retention payments.

By understanding these additional payment structures, teachers can make informed decisions about advancing their careers while contributing significantly to their educational communities.

How much do teachers contribute to their pension in state schools in England?

Teachers working in state schools across England are automatically part of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme. This means they contribute a percentage of their salary to their pension fund. The exact contribution rate varies depending on their income, generally ranging from 7.4% to 11.7% of their total earnings. This percentage is deducted directly from their salary, ensuring a secure retirement plan.

How Do Strike Days Impact Teacher Pay?

When teachers participate in a strike, their pay is directly affected. Here's how it works:

·         Salary Deduction: Teachers who strike will see a reduction in their earnings for each day they are absent due to the strike.

·         Calculation Method: The deduction is typically calculated as 1/365th of their annual salary for each day they are on strike.

This approach means that for every day of missed work due to a strike, their annual salary is reduced by this specific fraction. This financial impact is a standard repercussion of participating in strike actions.

Are Teachers in the UK Entitled to Maternity Pay?

Yes, teachers working in UK schools are indeed entitled to maternity pay. However, the specific amount they may receive can vary based on several factors. Understanding how these elements impact your maternity pay can help you plan accordingly.

Factors Affecting Maternity Pay for Teachers:

1. Length of Service:
• Your tenure with the school can significantly influence the maternity pay you are eligible for. Typically, longer service may result in higher pay rates or longer periods of pay.
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3. Contract Type:
• Whether you're on a full-time, part-time, or temporary contract can affect your maternity pay. Full-time staff members often have different entitlements compared to part-time or temp workers.
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5. Government Schemes vs. School Policies:
• Some payments are administered according to standard government guidelines, while others might be supplemented by your school's specific policies. It’s important to check both these sources to understand what you could expect.
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7. Salary Level:
• The amount of maternity pay is also often linked to your current salary. Higher earners may receive more maternity pay, reflecting their existing wage levels.
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9. Eligibility Criteria:
• To qualify for statutory maternity pay, there are specific criteria related to employment history and earnings that must be met. This generally includes a minimum period of employment before the expected week of childbirth.

Further Help

To get a tailored estimate of your maternity pay, it's advisable to contact your human resources department or review your school's policy handbook. Additionally, government websites offer detailed guidance on statutory maternity pay eligibility and calculations.

What Should Teachers Consider if They Decide to Change Jobs?

If you're a teacher contemplating a career change, there are several key factors to keep in mind to ensure a smooth transition. 

Understanding Teacher Resignation Dates and Their Importance

Resigning from a teaching position involves more than just deciding to move on; it's essential to be aware of specific resignation dates. These dates are critical because they are designed to minimize disruptions in the academic calendar. Let's delve into what teacher resignation dates are and why they hold significant importance.

What Are Teacher Resignation Dates?

Teacher resignation dates refer to the specific deadlines by which educators must submit their notice if they plan to leave their current position. These deadlines are often stricter compared to many other professions. The primary goal is to prevent teachers from departing in the middle of a school term, which could disrupt the learning environment and leave students without consistent instruction.

Why Are They Important?

1. Continuity for Students: Resignation dates ensure that students experience minimal disruptions. When teachers leave at designated times, schools have ample opportunity to find suitable replacements before the new term begins.
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3. Planning for Schools: Schools can better plan for the academic year if they know about staff changes well in advance. Anticipating vacancies allows for effective recruiting and onboarding processes, maintaining the quality of education.
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5. Professional Responsibility: Meeting these deadlines is part of a teacher's professional duty. It demonstrates a commitment to their role and respects the institution's operational needs.
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7. Legal and Contractual Obligations: Many teaching contracts stipulate notice periods aligned with these resignation dates. Failing to adhere to these can result in legal repercussions or a breach of contract.

When contemplating a career change, teachers should be mindful of these dates to ensure a smooth transition for themselves, their students, and their employers. Checking with your school district or administration for specific deadlines is always advisable.

Do Teachers Get Paid on Strike Days, and How Is Their Pay Affected?

When teachers participate in a strike, their pay is directly impacted. On the specific days they are on strike, they do not receive their usual pay. The deduction from their salary is calculated as a fraction of their annual earnings. Specifically, one day's pay is determined as 1/365th of their total annual salary.

This means that for each strike day, the equivalent of one daily portion of their yearly income is subtracted. As a result, those participating face a financial reduction corresponding to the time spent striking.