Teacher Pay Scale UK

If you’re wondering “how much do teachers get paid in the UK?”, or researching the teacher pay scale, you're in the right place. At Service Care Solutions, we specialise in recruitment across10 different sectors- with education being one. In this article, we’ll explain how teacher pay works in the UK, current salary ranges, what factors affect pay, and how you can maximise your earnings as a teacher.

 

Understanding the UK Teacher Pay Scale

Teacher pay in the UK is structured using defined pay ranges, particularly in England. These pay scales ensure consistency and fairness — though academies, independent or private schools can sometimes deviate.

For qualified teachers in England (from 1 September 2025), the minimum starting salary is £32,916 outside London, with higher minimums in London and associated areas. Over time, teachers progress through the Main Pay Range (MPR) and then the Upper Pay Range (UPR). (National Education Union)

Here’s a snapshot (2025–26 figures) for the Main and Upper pay ranges:

 

Region / Range	Minimum	Maximum
England (excluding London)	£32,916	£51,048
London fringe	£34,398	£52,490
Outer London	£37,870	£56,154
Inner London	£40,317	£62,496

On top of these base salaries, teachers may receive additional payments such as Teaching and Learning Responsibility (TLR) payments or SEN allowances (for working with special educational needs), depending on additional roles or responsibilities.

For those who are not yet Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), pay is on a separate unqualified teacher scale. For 2025–26, unqualified teachers in England can expect salaries from around £22,601 to £35,259, depending on location and role.

Leadership roles (assistant heads, deputy heads, headteachers) and roles like “leading practitioner” follow more elevated pay scales. For example, a headteacher in inner London may earn up to £153,490 (or more, depending on school size and responsibility).

 

Recent Pay Awards & Trends

As of May 2025, a 4% pay award was accepted in England for teachers, per the recommendation of the School Teachers’ Review Body (STRB). This increase is projected to raise the median salary of classroom teachers above £51,000 in many cases.

Because pay is reviewed (and adjusted) periodically, many teachers move up their pay spine annually — provided performance, appraisal, or school progression criteria are met.

It’s worth noting that academies or private schools have more flexibility and may offer pay that is above or outside the standard scales — either to attract talent or due to local agreements. (GOV.UK)

 

What Affects How Much Teachers Are Paid in the UK

Your location, role, responsibilities, experience, and qualifications all influence your pay. Here are key factors:

• Geographic region: London and its areas command higher starting pay due to cost-of-living and demand.
• Qualification status: QTS-qualified teachers are on the higher pay ranges; unqualified teachers are paid less.
• Experience / progression: As you stay in service and meet performance criteria, you move up the pay brackets.
• Additional responsibilities: Taking on leadership, departmental roles, or extra duties (TLRs, SEN) can boost pay further.
• Type of school: Maintained schools adhere to statutory pay scales, but academies / independent schools may vary.
• School performance & appraisal: Some pay progression depends on performance assessments or appraisal outcomes.

Because of these variables, two teachers in similar roles but different areas or schools may receive noticeably different salaries.

 

What Does This Mean?

If you’re thinking about entering teaching or moving schools, here’s how to interpret the numbers:

• Early Career Teachers (ECTs/ new qualified teachers) in non-London England often start around £32,916.
• After five years or so, many teachers reach mid points in the pay structure — often £45,000+ or beyond (outside London)
• In London (inner/outer), salaries can reach £60,000+ for experienced or senior classroom roles.
• As headteachers or senior leaders, remuneration may enter well into six figures, especially in larger schools or London contexts.
• Unqualified teachers can expect lower pay ranges (e.g. £22,600 to ~£35,200) until they gain QTS and move upward.

All told, teacher pay UK offers a structured and transparent progression path, with clear thresholds and allowances based on experience and role.

 

Why This Matters for Recruitment & Education Jobs

For educational institutions and recruiters alike, clarity around teacher pay scale helps attract and retain high-quality teaching professionals. When teachers know what they can expect long term, they’re more likely to commit, grow, and perform well.

If you’re a teacher or aspiring educator, keeping an eye on education jobs — including those posted by Service Care Solutions — ensures you stay exposed to roles that match your pay expectations and career goals.

Take a look at our current education jobs here- Jobs | Service Care Solutions

When applying, consider asking about which spine point the role is aligned with, whether additional responsibilities (TLRs, SEN) are included, and how pay progression is handled at that institution.

 

Tips to Maximise Your Pay Over Time

1. Gain QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) as early as possible — this unlocks the main pay ranges.
2. Build experience & performance evidence to move up the pay spine.
3. Take on responsibilities (department lead, extra duties) to become eligible for TLRs.
4. Consider roles in London / high-pay regions if mobility is possible.
5. Look into academies or private schools — they may offer more competitive pay in some cases.
6. Stay updated on pay awards and policy changes (e.g. annual STRB decisions).
7. Use recruitment support like us to find roles that match your pay expectations and growth goals.

 

If you are relocating or looking for your next role, we can help! Contact our education team today to get started.

 

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