In the latest update for the academic year 2025–26, the UK government accepted the School Teachers’ Review Body’s (STRB) recommendation of a 4% pay increase for teachers.
The rise adds around £1,900 to the average classroom teacher’s salary, lifting the median teacher pay above £51,000 per year. The award is partially funded by the government, though schools are expected to cover the first 1% of costs through efficiency savings.
How Much Do Teachers Get Paid in England?
In May 2025, the government confirmed a 4% uplift across all pay and allowance ranges. This sets a new minimum starting salary of £32,916 for teachers outside London.
Teachers will receive their new salaries in the autumn term, with pay backdated to 1 September 2025 once the statutory pay order is laid in Parliament.
Minimum and Maximum Pay for Teachers in England
The minimum and maximum pay for teachers varies depending on their position in the pay structure.
Main Pay Range (MPR) from September 2025 (England, excluding London):
- M1: 32,916
- M2: 34,491
- M3: 36,050
- M4: 38,370
- M5: 41,333
- M6: 45,352
Upper Pay Range (UPR) from September 2025
- U1: 47,472
- U2: 49,529
- U3: 51,048
These figures represent the base salaries before any additional allowances or enhancements are applied.
How Does The Pay Point Structure for Teachers Work?
The pay point structure for teachers is divided into the Main Pay Range and the Upper Pay Range, each consisting of several pay points that reflect the progression and experience of teachers.
The MPR is designed for teachers who are building their careers, typically from their first year up to several years of experience. Here’s how it works:
Initial Placement
New teachers usually start at M1, the lowest pay point on the MPR, with a starting salary of £32,916. This provides a standardised entry-level pay, ensuring consistency across the education sector.
Annual Progression
Teachers on the MPR generally progress through the pay points annually, moving from M1 to M2, then to M3, and so on, until they reach M6. This progression is typically based on satisfactory performance and meeting set objectives. Each step up the pay points reflects increased experience and competency, and results in a corresponding salary increase.
Performance Review
Annual appraisals play a critical role in determining pay progression. Teachers must meet specific performance criteria set by their schools, which may include classroom effectiveness, contribution to student progress and professional development.
Upper Pay Range (UPR)
The UPR is intended for more experienced teachers who have demonstrated high levels of competence and contribution to the school community. Here’s how it works:
Application Process
Transitioning from the MPR to the UPR is not automatic. Teachers must apply and demonstrate that they have met the criteria for the UPR, which includes sustained high performance and significant contributions to the school.
Assessment Criteria
Schools assess applicants based on their professional practice, leadership roles, and impact on student outcomes. Evidence might include student progress data, feedback from colleagues and parents, and examples of leadership in curricular or extracurricular activities.
Pay Points
Similar to the MPR, the UPR consists of three pay points. Teachers typically start at U1 and can progress to U2 and U3 based on continued high performance and additional contributions to their school community.
How Much Do Unqualified Teachers Get Paid?
Unqualified teachers are those who have not yet obtained Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) but are employed to teach in schools. Their salaries are also structured in pay points to reflect their progression and contribution:
Unqualified Teacher Pay Range (UTPR) from September 2025
- UQ1: 22,601
- UQ2: 24,109
- UQ3: 25,617
- UQ4: 27,123
- UQ5: 28,630
- UQ6: 30,138
- UQ7: 32,699
- UQ8: 35,259
Unqualified teachers typically start at the lower end of this scale and can progress based on their experience and performance. The unqualified teacher pay range offers opportunities for career development and can serve as a pathway to becoming a qualified teacher.
How Much Do Leading Practitioners Get Paid?
Leading practitioners are highly skilled teachers who are employed in roles that focus on improving teaching standards and supporting other teachers. Their pay range reflects their advanced skills and leadership responsibilities:
Leading Practitioner Pay Range (UTPR) from September 2025
£52,026 (min) – £79,092
In Inner London: £61,858 – £88,930.
Leading practitioners are expected to demonstrate excellent teaching practice, contribute to the professional development of colleagues, and often take on additional responsibilities that enhance the overall quality of education within their schools.
How Much Do Headteachers Get Paid?
Leadership group pay ranges reflect school size and complexity.
Pay Ranges for Headteachers from September 2025
£58,569 (min) – £143,795 (max)
In Inner London: £68,359 – £153,488.
Each group has a set pay range. The exact salary within each group is determined by the governing body of the school, taking into account additional factors such as school performance, budget management and leadership requirements.
England Teacher Salary by Area
Teacher salaries in England are also influenced by geographical location. The cost of living and regional disparities necessitate variations in pay to attract and retain teachers in different parts of the country. England is divided into four pay bands for teachers:
Inner London
- Reflects the highest salaries due to the high cost of living in central London.
- For example, the MPR in Inner London ranges from £40,317 – £52,300.
Outer London
- Slightly lower than Inner London but still higher than the rest of the country.
- The MPR ranges from £36,766 to £48,531.
London Fringe
- Covers areas on the outskirts of London with salaries in between those of Outer London and the rest of England.
- The MPR ranges from £34,398 – £46,839.
Rest of England
- The standard pay range applied across the majority of regions outside London.
- The MPR ranges from £32,916 – £45,352.
These variations ensure that teachers in more expensive areas are compensated accordingly, making it feasible for them to live and work in those regions.
Additional Allowances for Teachers
Beyond their base salaries, teachers can receive various allowances that recognise additional responsibilities, specialisations or teaching in challenging environments. These allowances significantly enhance the overall remuneration package for educators.
Teaching and Learning Responsibility (TLR) Payments
TLR payments range from £706 – £17,215. These payments are awarded to teachers who take on extra duties, such as leading a department, coordinating a subject area, or mentoring other staff members.
Special Educational Needs (SEN) Allowances
SEN allowances range from £2,786 – £5,496. These payments are given to teachers who provide specialised support to students with special educational needs, acknowledging the additional skills and efforts required for this critical role.
These allowances not only compensate teachers for their additional responsibilities but also serve as an incentive for professional growth and dedication to enhancing the educational experience for all students.
How Much Do Private School Teachers Get Paid?
Private schools do not follow the national pay scales set for state schools. Instead, they are free to set their own salaries for teachers. While very few private institutions advertise their pay scales publicly, those affiliated with organisations such as the Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS) or the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference (HMC) often have pay structures similar to the state school system. This can provide a benchmark for what teachers in private schools might expect to earn.
Understanding Teacher Pay in England
Teacher salaries in England are structured to reward experience, performance, and additional responsibilities. The recent pay increases and structured pay ranges ensure that teachers are fairly compensated for their crucial role in educating future generations. Understanding these pay structures, along with regional pay variations and the differences between state and private school salaries, can help current and prospective teachers navigate their career progression and financial planning effectively. For more detailed information and specific figures, you can refer to the UK Government Website.