Teacher Salary UK 2026 follows the national STPCD pay scale, with the biggest jump coming from Main Pay Range to Upper Pay Range after passing threshold assessment.
The role of a Teacher in the UK is both highly respected and personally fulfilling. As education plays a critical role in shaping future generations, the demand for passionate and skilled educators remains strong. From schools in London to institutions in Manchester and Edinburgh, educators are valued for their dedication, with many opportunities for professional growth and development.
Teacher Salary UK by Pay Range (2026/27, STPCD)
| Range | Outside London | Inner London |
|---|---|---|
| Main Pay Range (M1–M6) | £31,650 – £43,607 | £36,745 – £50,288 |
| Upper Pay Range (U1–U3) | £45,646 – £49,084 | £54,791 – £60,092 |
| Leadership (typical) | £55,000 – £90,000+ | £60,000 – £100,000+ |
Teacher salary
Base pay £28K – £40K/yr
£34K/yr average base pay
The estimated total pay for a Teacher is £35,856 per year, with an average salary of £33,860 per year. This number represents the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users. The estimated additional pay is £1,997 per year. Additional pay could include cash bonus, commission, tips, and profit sharing.
Highest paying cities for Teacher near United Kingdom
- London
£39,112 per year2k salaries reported - Birmingham
£20,568 per year1.8k salaries reported - Wakefield
£20,325 per year410 salaries reported - Coventry
£20,225 per year489 salaries reported - Leeds
£20,145 per year857 salaries reported - Derby
£19,417 per year796 salaries reported - Sheffield
£19,023 per year1.1k salaries reported - Maidstone
£18,841 per year73 salaries reported - Salford
£18,152 per year268 salaries reported
Teacher Salary UK: Additional Allowances
Beyond the base pay scale, many teachers earn extra through Teaching and Learning Responsibility (TLR) payments for taking on roles like head of department or pastoral lead — these typically add £3,000–£13,000 a year depending on the level of responsibility. Special Educational Needs (SEN) allowances are also available for teachers working in specialist settings, adding a further £2,500–£5,000. Academies and free schools aren’t legally required to follow the national STPCD scale, so pay can vary — some offer more flexibility and higher starting salaries to attract staff in shortage subjects like maths, physics and computing.
How Teacher Pay Progresses
NQTs (now called ECTs — Early Career Teachers) start on M1 and typically move up one point per year based on performance, reaching the top of Main Pay Range (M6) after around 5-6 years. Moving to Upper Pay Range requires passing a threshold assessment and demonstrating sustained high performance — this is the single biggest voluntary pay jump most classroom teachers see. London-based schools pay an additional “London weighting” on top of national scales.
See our Paycheck Calculator to check take-home pay at any point on the scale.
Source: DfE, School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document 2026
FAQs about teacher salary
What is the average teacher salary in the UK?
Main Pay Range runs £31,650–£43,607 outside London, £36,745–£50,288 in Inner London.
How long does it take to reach Upper Pay Range?
Typically 5-6 years, after reaching M6 and passing a threshold assessment.
Do teachers get paid more in London?
Yes — London weighting adds several thousand pounds a year on top of national scales.
What’s the difference between Main and Upper Pay Range?
Upper Pay Range (U1-U3) requires a performance-based threshold assessment; it pays £45,646-£49,084 outside London vs £31,650-£43,607 on Main.
Can teachers earn more than the standard pay scale?
Yes — TLR payments for extra responsibilities (£3,000–£13,000) and SEN allowances (£2,500–£5,000) can add significantly to base pay, and academies aren’t bound by the national scale.
