Teacher Pay Scales UK
Detailed guide to the 2025/2026 teacher pay scales for England and Wales. Following the confirmation of the 5.5% pay award effective from September 2025, this comprehensive resource outlines the confirmed salaries for the Main Pay Scale (MPS), Upper Pay Scale (UPS), and Leadership Pay Spine. Whether you are a newly qualified teacher (ECT), a head of department receiving TLR payments, or a headteacher, this guide clarifies your gross salary, allowances, and regional weightings.
Table of Contents
The 2025/2026 Pay Award: 5.5% Increase
In July 2025, the Department for Education (DfE) accepted the recommendations of the School Teachers' Review Body (STRB) for the 35th report. This resulted in a fully funded 5.5% consolidated pay increase across all pay ranges and allowances for teachers and school leaders in England. This pay award is effective from 1st September 2025 and runs through to the end of August 2026.
This award was significant as it exceeded the initial inflation forecasts and was higher than the previous year's settlement for many public sector workers. The government committed to funding this increase through a specific grant to schools, aiming to avoid pressure on existing school budgets. This section provides a granular breakdown of what that 5.5% looks like in practice across the different geographical pay areas.
It is important to note that while the pay scales are national frameworks, academies and free schools technically have the freedom to set their own pay and conditions. However, the vast majority of trusts mirror the national STPCD (School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document) recommendations to remain competitive in recruitment.
Main Pay Scale (MPS) 2025/26
The Main Pay Scale is the standard progression route for classroom teachers. Progression usually occurs annually based on performance appraisal, though it is often treated as automatic in many maintained schools unless serious capability issues arise. The "Rest of England" figures apply to the vast majority of schools outside the M25.
| Scale Point | Rest of England | Fringe Area | Outer London | Inner London |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M1 (Minimum) | £31,650 | £33,000 | £36,000 | £38,000 |
| M2 | £33,850 | £35,200 | £38,000 | £40,500 |
| M3 | £36,200 | £37,550 | £40,200 | £43,000 |
| M4 | £38,700 | £40,050 | £42,500 | £45,500 |
| M5 | £41,200 | £42,550 | £45,200 | £48,000 |
| M6 (Maximum) | £43,607 | £44,957 | £47,800 | £50,935 |
Note regarding M1: The government met its manifesto pledge to raise starting salaries to £30,000 by 2024. The 2025/26 figures build upon that baseline. M6 represents the 'threshold' point; to progress further, a teacher must apply to cross onto the Upper Pay Scale.
Upper Pay Scale (UPS) 2025/26
The Upper Pay Scale rewards teachers who make a sustained and substantial contribution to their school. It is not automatic. Teachers typically spend two years at each UPS point, although excellent performance can lead to faster progression in some policies.
| Scale Point | Rest of England | Fringe Area | Outer London | Inner London |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U1 (Minimum) | £45,646 | £47,000 | £49,500 | £53,500 |
| U2 | £47,350 | £48,700 | £51,200 | £56,000 |
| U3 (Maximum) | £49,084 | £50,434 | £53,000 | £58,500 |
Leadership Pay Spine 2025/26
The Leadership Pay Spine covers Headteachers, Deputy Headteachers, and Assistant Headteachers. Unlike the MPS/UPS, leadership pay is not defined by fixed points in legislation anymore, but rather by a minimum and maximum range. However, most schools continue to use the traditional 43-point reference spine for clarity.
Rest of England Range: £51,179 (L1) to £134,173 (L43).
Inner London Range: £61,000 (L1) to £145,000+ (L43).
Assistant & Deputy Headteacher Ranges
These are determined by the school's "Group Size" (based on pupil numbers).
- Assistant Head Min: £51,179
- Assistant Head Typical Cap: ~£63,000 - £70,000 (depending on school size)
- Deputy Head: Generally starts around L10-L15 depending on the school.
Allowances: TLR and SEN
In addition to basic salary, many teachers earn additional payments for extra responsibilities or for working in Special Educational Needs settings.
Teaching and Learning Responsibility (TLR) Payments
TLR payments are awarded for undertaking sustained additional responsibilities for the purpose of ensuring the continued delivery of high-quality teaching and learning.
- TLR1 Range: £10,462 to £28,644 (Requires line management responsibility).
- TLR2 Range: £3,000 to £7,847 (Does not require line management).
- TLR3 (Fixed Term): £571 to £1,151 (For time-limited school improvement projects).
Special Educational Needs (SEN) Allowances
Awarded to classroom teachers who work with pupils with special educational needs.
- SEN Range: £2,585 to £5,103 per annum.
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Career Progression Guide
Moving through the Main Scale (M1-M6)
Under the current School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD), progression on the Main Pay Scale is not automatic based on time served, though in practice, many schools operate it this way for teachers meeting their standards.
To progress, teachers must participate in an annual appraisal. If the teacher meets the relevant Teachers' Standards and their objectives, they usually move up one point. Some academies may offer "accelerated progression" (jumping a point) for exceptional performance.
Passing the Threshold (M6 to UPS1)
Reaching the top of the Main Scale (M6) is a significant milestone. To access the higher salaries of the Upper Pay Scale (UPS), you must apply to pass the "Threshold". This involves providing evidence that:
- You are highly competent in all elements of the relevant standards.
- Your achievements and contribution to the educational setting are substantial and sustained.
Regional Differences
London Areas Defined
The "London Area" payments are defined by specific boroughs.
- Inner London: Includes Camden, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Lambeth, Lewisham, Newham, Southwark, Tower Hamlets, Wandsworth, and Westminster (plus some adjacent areas).
- Outer London: The remaining London boroughs (e.g., Barnet, Croydon, Ealing).
- Fringe Area: Specific districts in Surrey, Kent, Essex, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Berkshire that border London.
Wales
Since the devolution of teachers' pay, Wales generally mirrors the English pay scales closely, but there can be minor divergences in policy implementation. For 2025/26, the Welsh Government has largely aligned with the 5.5% award to maintain parity and prevent cross-border recruitment issues.
Scotland (SNCT)
Scotland operates under a completely different framework managed by the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers (SNCT). The pay scales, grading structures (Probationer, Main Grade, Chartered), and conditions are not comparable to the English MPS/UPS system described here. Scottish teachers generally received different pay awards on different timelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for a teacher in 2026?
In 2026 (covering the 2025/26 academic year), the starting salary for a newly qualified teacher on M1 in the Rest of England is £31,650. In Inner London, this rises to £38,000, reflecting the higher cost of living in the capital.
How much has teacher pay increased for 2025/26?
The government accepted the STRB recommendation for a 5.5% pay award across all pay scales and allowances, effective from September 2025. This was a fully funded increase designed to support recruitment and retention.
What is the Upper Pay Scale (UPS) limit?
The maximum Upper Pay Scale (UPS3) salary for 2025/26 is £49,084 outside of London. In Inner London, the UPS3 ceiling is higher, reaching £58,500.
Do teachers get paid for holidays?
Yes, teachers are salaried employees. Their annual salary is paid in 12 equal monthly instalments, covering school holidays. This differs from pro-rata term-time only contracts often used for support staff.
What are TLR payments?
Teaching and Learning Responsibility (TLR) payments are additional allowances for significant responsibilities. TLR1 ranges from £10,462 to £28,644, and TLR2 ranges from £3,000 to £7,847. There is also a temporary TLR3 for specific projects.
How does London Weighting affect teacher pay?
Teachers in London receive higher salaries to offset living costs. There are three zones: Fringe, Outer London, and Inner London, with Inner London offering the highest premiums (often £6k-£8k higher than national averages).
How do I move from M6 to UPS1?
Moving from the Main Pay Scale to the Upper Pay Scale is not automatic. You must successfully pass a threshold assessment demonstrating that you are highly competent and your contribution is substantial and sustained. This usually requires an application to your Headteacher.