Teachers Salary UK: A Practical Guide to Pay Scales and Eligibility

Understanding Teachers Salary UK in 2026/27

If you are considering a career in teaching or are already working in a school, knowing the latest teachers salary UK rates is essential. This guide covers the pay scales for qualified and unqualified teachers in England, based on the most recent government and independent body recommendations. All figures are for maintained schools (local authority funded) unless stated otherwise.

Qualified Teacher Pay Scales

From September 2026, qualified teachers (those with Qualified Teacher Status, QTS) in England will see a 3.5% increase to their pay ranges. The minimum starting salary outside London is £34,069, rising to £35,092 from September 2027 under the multi-year award. In Inner London, the minimum is £41,729. The average teacher salary will exceed £52,800 from September 2026, according to GOV.UK guidance.

The main pay range for qualified teachers consists of six points (M1 to M6). Most teachers progress 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 upper pay range (U1 to U3) is for experienced teachers who have met the relevant standards, with U3 reaching £52,835.

London Weighting and Regional Variations

Salaries vary significantly by area. The table below shows the minimum and maximum for qualified teachers in each London area from September 2026:

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

These figures are from the School Teachers’ Review Body (STRB) 36th report and the Department for Education’s Get Into Teaching website.

Unqualified Teacher Pay

Teachers without QTS (for example, those with only a PGCE) can work in some schools as unqualified teachers. Their pay is lower. From September 2026, the unqualified teacher range in England (excluding London) is £23,732 to £36,494. The minimum point received a 5% uplift to ensure it stays above the National Living Wage. Unqualified teachers are not entitled to the same benefits as qualified teachers.

Additional Payments and Allowances

Teachers can earn extra through Teaching and Learning Responsibility (TLR) payments for taking on additional duties such as head of department. TLR1 payments range from £10,531 to £17,819, TLR2 from £3,651 to £8,913, and TLR3 (fixed term) from £727 to £3,600. Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) roles attract a SEN allowance of £2,885 to £5,690.

Leadership pay for headteachers and deputy heads is substantially higher, ranging from £53,847 to £148,829 depending on school size and location.

Eligibility and Who These Rates Apply To

To work as a qualified teacher in a maintained primary, secondary, or special school in England, you need QTS. Unqualified teachers can work in some schools but are on a lower pay scale. The pay ranges discussed apply to maintained schools. Academies and independent schools can set their own pay, though many follow the statutory ranges. A new law will require academies to have regard to the School Teachers Pay and Conditions Document from September 2027, ensuring consistency.

For more context on how teacher pay compares to the National Living Wage and other occupations, see our UK Minimum Wage page and pay guides. You can also explore topics related to public sector pay.

Multi-Year Pay Award

The STRB recommended a 3.5% increase from September 2026, followed by 3% from September 2027. The government accepted this in full, meaning teachers will see a cumulative increase of 17% over four years. The Education Hub blog confirms that the average teacher salary will be over £54,400 from September 2027.

Important Caveats

• These figures are for England only. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have separate pay arrangements.
• Actual take-home pay depends on pension contributions, tax, and National Insurance.
• Pay scales are reviewed annually; most teachers move up a point each year.
• Always check your contract and the latest School Teachers Pay and Conditions Document for exact figures.

For further reading, visit our pay data section for historical comparisons and about page for methodology.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum starting salary for a qualified teacher in England from September 2026?

The minimum starting salary for a qualified teacher in England (excluding London) is £34,069. In Inner London it is £41,729, Outer London £39,196, and the London fringe £35,602. These figures are from the STRB recommendation accepted by the government and apply to maintained schools.

Do unqualified teachers earn less than qualified teachers?

Yes. Unqualified teachers (those without Qualified Teacher Status) are on a separate, lower pay range. From September 2026, the minimum in England (excluding London) is £23,732, rising to a maximum of £36,494. This is significantly lower than the qualified teacher range and may be close to the National Living Wage.

Are teachers in academies paid the same as those in maintained schools?

Not necessarily. Academies and independent schools can set their own pay, though many choose to follow the statutory pay ranges. A new law (Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act) will require academies to have regard to the School Teachers Pay and Conditions Document, expected to be implemented by September 2027, ensuring a core pay offer for all teachers.