30th August 2019

How much do teachers get paid in the UK?

The reason that most people give when asked why they chose to become a teacher is this: to make a difference to the lives of young people. It’s that aspirational moment when a student grasps a new concept that a teacher has taught them. Many have been inspired by a former teacher (there’s no better inspiration than that!). But even with all this heartening motivation, world-changers still need to be paid well. 

In this blog post, we’ll be running through how much teachers get paid in the UK today, so you know what to expect when you start teaching and as you progress up the career ladder. 

Will teachers receive a pay rise in 2022?

The government has recently published its evidence to the School Teachers’ Review Body (STRB) on its proposals for teacher pay. They’re proposing to increase a new teachers’ starting salary to £30,000, spread over two years (with the biggest boost in the first year). 

And the teachers on the main and upper pay scales will also see an increase. From September 2022, the first year, all teachers on the upper pay scale would receive a 3% increase. While teachers on the main scale would receive increases beginning at 8.9%.

In September 2023, the second year, salaries would increase again, with a 2% boost for upper pay scale teachers, and an increase ranging from 2% to 7.1% for main scale teachers. 

How is teacher pay decided in the UK?

Teacher pay scales are set by the School Teachers Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD) which is legally binding in all local authority maintained schools. For classroom teachers (that is, someone who is not a head teacher, assistant head teacher, or leading practitioner) you will be paid on either the Main Pay Range or the Upper Pay Range.

How much do teachers get paid in the UK?

Teacher pay differs based on experience and from region to region, with teachers inside London earning the highest salary (though this is offset by the increased costs that come with living in the capital). Individual teacher pay is also affected by taking on Teaching & Learning Responsibilities (TLRs) or qualifying for Special Education Needs allowances.

What is the pay range for classroom teachers in the UK?

Before the proposed September 2022 pay increase, the pay range for classroom teachers in 2022 ranges from £25,714 (band 1, outside Rest of UK) to £50,935 (band 6, inner London). This is the bottom of the main pay scale to the top of the upper pay scale.

Can my pay increase as a teacher?

Yes, your pay can increase as the pay scales and allowances are updated. Teachers on the main pay scale move to the next point on the scale every September (as long as their work is considered satisfactory). If a teacher’s work is considered to be excellent, they may be rewarded with an increase by two points.

How do I move from the Main Pay Range to the Upper Pay Range?

Any qualified teacher on the Main Pay Range can apply to be paid on the Upper Pay Range. For the application to be successful, the relevant governing body must be satisfied that you are “highly competent in all elements of the relevant standards; and that the teacher’s achievements and contribution to an education setting is substantial and sustained.” (Paragraph 15.2 of the STPCD)

What is the pay range for unqualified teachers in the UK?

The lowest unqualified teacher salary is £18,169 (excluding London) and the highest salary for unqualified teachers is £33,410 (inner London).

What is the pay range for school leadership roles in the UK?

The salary for a leading practitioner in the UK ranges from £42,402 (excluding London) to £72,480 (inner London).

What extra payments can teachers in the UK get?

If a teacher takes on Teaching and Learning Responsibilities (TLRs) as part of their role, they can receive extra payments (details on the NASUWT website) and a teacher who qualifies for SEN allowances can make an extra £4,479 a year. 

You can download all pay scale information on the NASUWT website here.

How much do qualified teachers get paid in the UK?

Qualified teachers get paid a range of salaries in the UK, depending on the location and the position. 

• London: £26,948 to £42,780 (the fringe — areas surrounding London), £29,915 to £45,766 (outer London), £32,157 to £50,935 (inner London) 
• England (excluding London) and Wales: £25,714 to £41,604 
• Scotland: £32,994 to £41,412

How much do teaching assistants get paid in the UK?

Level 1, full-time, permanent teaching assistants (TAs) start on about £17,364. Level 2 TAs get paid around £18,000 to £20,000. And level 3 TAs (and those with SEN responsibilities) can earn £25,000.

How much do supply teachers get paid in the UK?

How much supply teachers get paid is determined by their agency. A 2020 NEU supply teacher member survey found that around half were paid less than £125 per day, while only 7% were paid over £150 per day.

How much do head teachers get paid in the UK?

Headteachers are paid the highest teaching salaries across the UK:

• England (excluding London) and Wales: £47,735 to £117,197
• London: £48,901 to £125,098. 
• Scotland: £51,207 to £98,808