Teacher pay scales 2025–26: what you need to know

Pay is always a big topic for teachers and school leaders, and with good reason. It affects career choices, retention, and how schools plan. With a 4% rise confirmed for the next academic term, 2025–26, here’s a guide to what these pay scales mean for teachers and schools. 

Starting salaries from September 2025
From September 2025, new teachers in England will start on a minimum of £32,916. Early career teachers (ECTs) in London can earn up to £40,317. These changes aim to support teacher retention and career growth in the classroom.

How teacher pay scales work
Teacher pay scales are a series of salary bands used to ensure that teaching staff are paid a wage depending on their responsibilities and experience. Teachers can find a full list of this year’s pay on the National Education Union website.  

Teacher pay scales: which schools are included?
State schools and local authorities must follow the official pay scales as specified in the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions (STPC) guidance. Non-maintained schools, including some academies and private and independent schools, set their own pay. Yet, many choose to use scales similar to those in the state sector.

Main and upper pay scales  
Teachers on the main and upper pay scales in England will earn a salary of between £32,916 and £51,047. In London:

• Outer London: £34,397 to £62,496

• Inner London: £40,317 to £62,496

What do unqualified teachers earn?
Unqualified teachers are paid according to a different pay scale. The unqualified teacher pay scale for 2025-26 ranges from £22,600 to £40,994. Salaries depend on location and classroom experience. A regional breakdown is:

• England (excluding London): £22,600 to £35,257

• Outer London: £26,788 to £39,449

• Inner London: £28,342 to £40,994

Additional payments and allowances

Teaching and Learning Responsibility (TLR) payments
Alongside the uplift to teacher pay scales, TLR payments are also rising for 2025–26. TLR1 and TLR3 will increase by 4%, while TLR2 will see a 5.5% rise.

SEND allowances
Teachers supporting learners with special educational needs get a supplementary allowance. This is also set to rise in line with the 4% pay uplift. This sees the minimum SEND allowance increase from £2,679 to £2,787 and the maximum range increase from £5,285 to £5,497.  

Teacher retention payments
Teacher retention payments for the 2025-2026 academic year are a government-funded incentive for eligible teachers. Payments are focused on those in the first five years of their careers teaching shortage subjects in England's state-funded secondary schools.  The targeted retention incentive ranges from £3,000 to £6,000 for the 2025 to 2026 academic year. 

Leadership and headteacher pay 
School leaders in England can expect salaries ranging from £51,771 to £153,488. This depends on role and location. Headteachers earn between £58,569 and £153,488, with regional differences:

• Outside London: £58,569 to £143,795

• Inner London: £68,359 to £153,488

• Outer London: £62,677 to £147,864

• London fringe: £60,000 to £145,216

Check your 2025–26 salary
The Department for Education has created a simple tool to help. Use it to check your pay scale for the year ahead and see exactly what you can expect.

What if I decide to change jobs?
Many teachers find that the quickest way to move up the pay scale is to find a new job.  Teachers have longer notice periods to prevent staff leaving part-way through a term. Consult the teacher resignation dates for 2025-26 to see when you need to hand in your notice.

What this means for you
Whether you’re an early-career teacher, an experienced teacher, or a school leader, the 2025–26 pay changes will have an impact. The increases are designed to support recruitment, retention, and career development across the profession. These uplifts come after the government accepted the School Teachers' Review Body (STRB) recommendations, reinforcing its commitment to fair and consistent pay across England.

If you’re considering your next step, it’s worth reviewing how the new scales apply to you and planning your career moves with confidence. At Teaching Personnel, we’re here to support you throughout your journey, from finding the right role to building a long-term career in education.