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Teacher Salary in England: Pay Scales, Eligibility and the National Living Wage

Understand teacher salary in England for 2026/27: qualified and unqualified pay scales, London weighting, TLR payments, and how the National Living Wage affects unqualified teachers.

Pay snapshot: From September 2026, a qualified teacher in England starts at £34,069 (outside London) and can progress to £52,835 on the upper pay range, with higher rates in London.

Related pay reference

£ / year

  • Finance & insurance£52,000 / year
  • IT & software£48,000 / year
  • Education£38,000 / year
  • Health & social care£36,000 / year
  • Public administration£35,000 / year

Teacher Salary in England: What You Need to Know for 2026/27

If you are considering a career in teaching or are already in the classroom, understanding the current teacher salary structure is essential. From September 2026, the Government has accepted the School Teachers’ Review Body (STRB) recommendation of a 3.5% pay increase for all teachers and leaders in England. This article explains the pay scales, eligibility, and how the National Living Wage affects unqualified teachers.

Qualified Teacher Pay Scales

To be paid on the qualified teacher scale, you must hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). The main pay range (M1 to M6) and upper pay range (U1 to U3) are set nationally for maintained schools. From September 2026, the rates are:

  • England excluding London: M1 £34,069 to U3 £52,835
  • London fringe: M1 £35,602 to U3 £54,328
  • Outer London: M1 £39,196 to U3 £58,120
  • Inner London: M1 £41,729 to U3 £64,684

Most teachers move up one point each year, subject to performance management. After five years, a typical teacher could earn at least £46,960 (or more in London). The average teacher salary across England will be over £52,800 from September 2026, according to GOV.UK guidance.

Unqualified Teacher Pay and the National Living Wage

Teachers without QTS (for example, those with only a PGCE) are paid on a separate, lower scale. For 2026/27, the unqualified teacher range in England (excluding London) is £23,732 to £36,494. However, the National Living Wage (NLW) for workers aged 21 and over is £12.71 per hour from April 2026. At 35 directed hours per week, the lowest unqualified point (U1) gives £12.42 per hour – just above the NLW. But if a school directs an unqualified teacher to work 36 hours or more, the hourly rate falls below the legal minimum. The NASUWT has highlighted this risk, and schools must ensure they do not breach NLW legislation.

Additional Payments: TLR and SEN Allowances

Teachers who take on extra responsibilities can receive Teaching and Learning Responsibility (TLR) payments. For 2026/27:

  • TLR1: £10,531 to £17,819
  • TLR2: £3,651 to £8,913
  • TLR3: £727 to £3,600

Special Educational Needs (SEN) allowances range from £2,885 to £5,690 per year. These are paid on top of the base salary.

Leadership Pay

Headteachers, deputy heads, and assistant heads have their own pay ranges. For example, a headteacher in England (excluding London) can earn between £53,847 and £81,861, while inner London heads can reach £92,043. The maximum for a headteacher in inner London is £158,863, according to the STRB report.

Future Pay Awards

The STRB has recommended a 3% increase for September 2027 and an indicative 3% for September 2028, subject to future remit. This means the minimum starting salary for teachers will rise to over £35,000 from 2027.

How Teacher Salary Compares to Other Roles

While teacher salary is not directly comparable to hourly wages, the average teacher salary of over £52,800 is well above the UK median full-time salary. However, teachers typically work 35 directed hours per week, plus additional hours for planning and marking. For more context on UK pay rates, see our pay guides and pay data pages.

Eligibility and Age Bands

Teacher salary is not age-banded like the National Living Wage. Instead, eligibility depends on qualifications (QTS) and role. Unqualified teachers may be younger or older, but the NLW applies to all workers aged 21 and over. If you are under 21, the National Minimum Wage rates apply (£10.85 for ages 18–20, £8 for under 18s). For full details on statutory rates, visit the UK Minimum Wage homepage.

Summary

  • Qualified teachers: starting £34,069 (outside London), rising to £52,835.
  • Unqualified teachers: £23,732 to £36,494 – check hours to avoid NLW breach.
  • TLR and SEN allowances can significantly boost earnings.
  • Leadership roles offer salaries up to £158,863 in inner London.
  • Future pay awards of 3% are planned for 2027 and 2028.

For more information on teacher pay and other UK salary topics, explore our topics section.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum teacher salary in England for 2026/27?

For a qualified teacher with QTS, the minimum salary (M1) is £34,069 in England excluding London. In inner London it is £41,729. Unqualified teachers start at £23,732 outside London.

Can an unqualified teacher earn less than the National Living Wage?

Yes, if they are directed to work more than 35 hours per week. For example, an unqualified teacher on U1 (£23,732) working 36 hours per week would earn £12.07 per hour, below the NLW of £12.71 for workers aged 21 and over. Schools must ensure compliance.

How does teacher salary compare to average earnings in the UK?

The average teacher salary from September 2026 is over £52,800, which is higher than the UK median full-time salary of around £37,000. However, teacher pay is annual and based on a 35-hour directed week, while many other roles are hourly.

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