Teacher Salary Guide 2025-26: Complete Pay Scale Information
May 24, 2025
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Following the Department for Education’s confirmation of a 4% salary increase for educators in England, updated compensation structures are now available for the 2025-26 school year.
Starting Salaries for New Teachers
Beginning September 2025, newly qualified teachers entering the profession in England will receive a base salary of at least £32,916. Educators working in London can expect starting salaries reaching £40,317.
Understanding Teacher Pay Structures
Pay scales represent structured salary ranges designed to ensure educators receive appropriate compensation based on their experience level and professional responsibilities. These frameworks provide clear progression pathways for teaching professionals throughout their careers.
Main Pay Scale – England (Excluding London)
| Pay Point | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| M1 | £32,916 |
| M2 | £34,638 |
| M3 | £36,414 |
| M4 | £38,246 |
| M5 | £40,135 |
| M6 | £42,084 |
Upper Pay Scale – England (Excluding London)
| Pay Point | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| U1 | £44,634 |
| U2 | £46,231 |
| U3 | £51,047 |
London Area Pay Scales
Inner London
| Pay Point | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| M1 | £40,317 |
| M2 | £42,039 |
| M3 | £43,815 |
| M4 | £45,647 |
| M5 | £47,536 |
| M6 | £49,485 |
| U1 | £55,035 |
| U2 | £56,632 |
| U3 | £62,496 |
Outer London
| Pay Point | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| M1 | £37,868 |
| M2 | £39,590 |
| M3 | £41,366 |
| M4 | £43,198 |
| M5 | £45,087 |
| M6 | £47,036 |
| U1 | £50,586 |
| U2 | £52,183 |
| U3 | £56,154 |
London Fringe
| Pay Point | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| M1 | £34,397 |
| M2 | £36,119 |
| M3 | £37,895 |
| M4 | £39,727 |
| M5 | £41,616 |
| M6 | £43,565 |
| U1 | £47,115 |
| U2 | £48,712 |
| U3 | £52,489 |
Leadership Compensation
School Leadership Pay Range
| Position Level | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Leadership | £51,771 – £153,488 |
Headteacher Salaries by Region
| Region | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| England (excluding London) | £58,569 – £143,795 |
| Inner London | £68,359 – £153,488 |
| Outer London | £62,677 – £147,864 |
| London Fringe | £60,000 – £145,216 |
Unqualified Teacher Compensation
Educators without Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) receive compensation according to separate salary structures.
Unqualified Teacher Pay Scales
| Region | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| England (excluding London) | £22,600 – £35,257 |
| Inner London | £28,342 – £40,994 |
| Outer London | £26,788 – £39,449 |
| London Fringe | £24,065 – £36,717 |
Additional Compensation Opportunities
Teaching and Learning Responsibility (TLR) Payments
Educators who assume extra responsibilities can receive TLR supplements. These fixed payments apply nationwide without regional variations and have increased for the upcoming academic year.
Special Educational Needs Allowance
The government has confirmed a 4% increase in SEN allowances for 2025-26, providing additional compensation for teachers with significant responsibilities supporting students with special educational needs and disabilities.
Early Career Retention Payments
Educators in their first five years teaching shortage subjects may qualify for retention payments totaling up to £12,000. Priority is given to those working in disadvantaged schools, with maximum payments available to teachers in Education Investment Areas (EIA).
School Types and Pay Scale Requirements
According to School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions (STPC) guidelines, maintained schools and local authorities must follow these pay structures. Any deviation requires justification and valid reasoning.
However, non-maintained institutions including academies, independent schools, and private schools maintain autonomy to establish their own compensation frameworks.
Pension Contributions
State school teachers in England are automatically enrolled in the Teachers’ Pension Scheme. Contribution rates range from 7.4% to 11.7% of total earnings, depending on salary level.
Career Progression
Typically, teachers advance through the main pay scale annually during their classroom tenure. Upon reaching the upper pay scale, educators must compile evidence portfolios demonstrating their contributions to school improvement.
After reaching U3, salary increases cease unless additional responsibilities with TLR or leadership compensation are undertaken. Each institution maintains its own appraisal system for determining pay progression.
Career Transitions
Teachers considering position changes should consult resignation deadline schedules, as educators face longer notice periods than many other professions to prevent mid-term departures.
Strike Action Impact
Educators participating in strike action forfeit pay for those days, calculated as 1/365th of their annual salary per day.
Maternity Benefits
All UK school teachers meeting qualifying criteria are entitled to maternity compensation, with specific amounts varying based on individual circumstances.
This guide reflects the updated pay scales following the 4% increase announced for the 2025-26 academic year.