Evergreen Guide

Teacher Pay Explained

A complete guide to teacher salaries, progression, regional bands, and allowances in England. Simple, clear, and always relevant.

How Teacher Pay Works View 2025/26 Teacher Pay Scales

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Main & Upper Pay Ranges
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Leadership
Head, Deputy & Assistant
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Trainees & Instructors
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How Teacher Pay Works

National Pay Ranges

The School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD) sets the statutory framework. Pay is organised into four distinct ranges:

  • Main Pay Range (M1–M6): Standard scale for classroom teachers.
  • Upper Pay Range (U1–U3): For post-threshold teachers.
  • Leadership Range: For Headteachers, Deputies, and Assistant Heads.
  • Leading Practitioner Range: For modeling and coaching roles.

Regional Area Bands

To account for living costs, the DfE defines four payment areas. Your location determines the "Area Cost Adjustment":

  • Inner London: Highest pay band (central boroughs).
  • Outer London: Greater London boroughs.
  • London Fringe: Districts in Surrey, Kent, Essex, Herts.
  • Rest of England: Standard national rate.

Performance Progression

Since 2013, annual increments have been replaced by Performance Related Pay (PRP).

  • Appraisal Cycle: Decisions made annually (autumn term).
  • Criteria: Must demonstrate "sustained high quality" teaching.
  • Velocity: Schools determine speed. M-scale is usually annual; U-scale often biennial.

Allowances

Statutory allowances boost gross pay for specific roles:

  • TLR (Teaching & Learning Responsibility): Payments (Tier 1, 2, or 3) for responsibilities.
  • SEN Allowances: For teachers in special schools or SEN roles.
  • R&R: Incentives for recruitment and retention.

Understanding Your Contract & Take Home Pay

The STPCD vs. "The Burgundy Book"

The STPCD is statutory and determines pay scales and working hours (1265 hours). The Burgundy Book covers conditions of service like sick pay, maternity, and notice periods.

Common Deductions

Teacher salaries are published as Gross Pay. Your Net Pay is lower due to:

  • Teachers' Pension (TPS): Tiered contributions (approx. 7.4% to 11.7%).
  • Income Tax & NI: Calculated via PAYE.
  • Student Loans: Plan 1, 2, or 5 deductions.

Part-Time & Pro-Rata Pay

Part-time teachers are paid pro-rata based on the "School Timetabled Teaching Week". E.g., teaching 15 out of 25 hours = 0.6 FTE (60% pay).

Higher Responsibility

Leadership Range

L1 – L43

Headteachers, Deputies, Assistant Heads

Upper Pay Range

U1 – U3

Experienced Teachers, Subject Leads

Main Pay Range

M1 – M6

ECTs, Qualified Classroom Teachers

Unqualified Range

1 – 6

Trainees, Instructors

Entry Level

Allowances & Extra Payments

Separate payments for specific responsibilities.

TLR 1 & 2

Sustained responsibilities (Head of Dept, Key Stage Lead).

TLR 3

Time-Limited school improvement projects.

SEN Allowance

For working in special schools or significant SEN roles.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Teacher pay scales are reviewed annually. The STRB (School Teachers' Review Body) makes recommendations to the government in the summer. The government then publishes the final 'School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document' (STPCD). Any changes usually come into effect on September 1st (backdated if the decision is delayed).

This is a common source of confusion. The Academic Year (when you move up a pay point) runs from 1st September to 31st August. The Financial/Tax Year (when tax codes change) runs from 6th April to 5th April. This means your net pay might change slightly in April even if your gross salary hasn't changed.

Schools receive their core funding (GAG) based on pupil numbers. Historically, schools had to fund pay rises from this existing budget. However, in recent years, the government has offered specific Teachers' Pay Grants to cover the difference, ensuring the rise is fully funded without impacting school resources.

Yes. Although teachers are directed to work for 195 days a year, your annual salary is split into 12 equal monthly payments. This ensures you receive a consistent paycheck in August and December despite the school holidays.

Under the 'Burgundy Book' conditions, if you resign by the deadline, you are paid until the end of that term, not just the last day of teaching.
  • Resign by Oct 31: Paid until Dec 31.
  • Resign by Feb 28/29: Paid until Apr 30.
  • Resign by May 31: Paid until Aug 31.

The London Fringe applies to specific districts bordering London (e.g., parts of Essex, Hertfordshire, Surrey, Kent). Teachers in these areas receive a higher salary than the 'Rest of England' but lower than Outer London.

References

  • Department for Education: School teachers' pay and conditions
  • National Education Union (NEU) / NASUWT Pay Scales Guidance

Last Content Update: Dec 2025