How much do teachers make in the UK in 2026?

UK teachers on the Main Pay Scale earn GBP 31,650 to GBP 43,606 per year in 2026 (Source: Department for Education School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document 2026). Upper Pay Scale teachers earn GBP 46,525 to GBP 49,084. TLR (Teaching and Learning Responsibility) allowances add GBP 3,017 to GBP 17,801 on top of base pay. With Inner London weighting of GBP 4,636 to GBP 7,611 per year, experienced MPS teachers in Inner London effectively earn GBP 36,000 to GBP 51,000 in total pay.

What is the Main Pay Scale for teachers?

The Main Pay Scale (MPS) covers teachers in their early and mid-career years before achieving Upper Pay Scale status. The 2026 scale runs from GBP 31,650 (MPS1 entry for fully qualified teachers in England) to GBP 43,606 (MPS6 top). Movement through MPS requires satisfactory performance against the Teachers' Standards. Progression is annual barring capability concerns.

What is the Upper Pay Scale for teachers?

The Upper Pay Scale (UPS) covers teachers who have demonstrated sustained high performance. The 2026 scale runs from GBP 46,525 (UPS1) to GBP 49,084 (UPS3). Movement to UPS requires an application supported by headteacher/principal recommendation and demonstration of teaching excellence. UPS teachers typically have 6 to 10 years of service.

Do teachers get London weighting?

Yes. London weighting is paid on top of MPS/UPS for teachers working in London schools. Inner London boroughs (Zone 1 central boroughs) pay GBP 4,636 to GBP 7,611 per year. Outer London pays GBP 2,995 to GBP 4,513 per year. Fringe London pays GBP 1,029 to GBP 2,053 per year. These weights are paid in addition to base MPS/UPS pay and TLR allowances.

How much do headteachers earn in the UK?

Headteachers in the UK earn based on their school's pupil roll and Ofsted rating under the Leadership Group pay scales. Inner London primary headteachers earn GBP 75,000 to GBP 95,000. Inner London secondary headteachers of large schools earn GBP 100,000 to GBP 140,000+. Headteachers of schools in disadvantaged areas often earn additional allowances of GBP 5,000 to GBP 15,000 per year.

How long does it take to reach UPS in UK teaching?

Reaching UPS typically takes 6 to 10 years of service with sustained high performance. UPS application requires headteacher support, a portfolio demonstrating impact beyond the classroom, and successful performance management reviews. Movement through UPS bands (UPS1 to UPS3) requires continued strong performance over subsequent years. The Headship pathway takes additional 1 to 2 years of preparation.

What are TLR payments in UK teaching?

Teaching and Learning Responsibility (TLR) payments are paid to teachers who take on additional responsibilities within the school. TLR1 (fixed-term responsibilities for sustained school improvement) pays GBP 9,786 to GBP 17,801 per year. TLR2 (short-term or specific projects) pays GBP 3,017 to GBP 7,365 per year. TLR3 (typically paid for one year or less) pays GBP 600 to GBP 3,000. TLR payments are paid on top of base pay and London weighting.

Will UK teacher pay rise in 2026?

Yes. The 2026 School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document delivered a 4% increase to MPS/UPS salaries across England and Wales. Scotland negotiated a separate 5% increase for its teacher pay deal. The Department for Education has continued to invest in teacher recruitment and retention, with further increases expected in the 2027 STPCD negotiations.

Teacher Salary UK 2026: Main Pay Scale Explained

UK teachers on the Main Pay Scale earn GBP 31,650 to GBP 43,606 per year in 2026 (Source: Department for Education School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document 2026, effective 1 September 2026). Upper Pay Scale teachers earn GBP 46,525 to GBP 49,084. TLR allowances add GBP 3,017 to GBP 17,801 on top of base pay.

With London weighting and TLR allowances, experienced MPS teachers in Inner London earn GBP 36,000 to GBP 51,000 in total pay. UPS teachers and middle leaders can clear GBP 60,000 to GBP 75,000.

Data last verified September 2026 from Department for Education School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document 2026 (effective 1 September 2026), NASUWT collective bargaining submissions, and NEU submissions.

At a glance
Main Pay Scale (MPS) runs GBP 31,650 to GBP 43,606 per year.
Upper Pay Scale (UPS) runs GBP 46,525 to GBP 49,084 per year.
TLR allowances add GBP 3,017 to GBP 17,801 on top of base pay.
Inner London weighting adds GBP 4,636 to GBP 7,611.

Main Pay Scale (MPS) and Upper Pay Scale (UPS)

The 2026 pay scales for teachers in England are set by the Department for Education's School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document. Movement through MPS requires satisfactory performance against the Teachers' Standards.

Scale band	Annual pay 2026 (GBP)	Notes
MPS 1 (entry)	31,650	Fully qualified teachers, Year 1
MPS 2	33,483	Year 2, complete induction
MPS 3	35,674	Year 3
MPS 4	38,034	Year 4
MPS 5	40,620	Year 5
MPS 6 (top)	43,606	Year 6
UPS 1	46,525	After successful application
UPS 2	48,572	Continued strong performance
UPS 3 (top)	49,084	Senior UPS practitioner

TLR allowances and responsibility payments

Teaching and Learning Responsibility (TLR) payments are paid for additional responsibilities. TLR1 covers sustained responsibilities (typically department heads): GBP 9,786 to GBP 17,801 per year. TLR2 covers short-term or specific projects: GBP 3,017 to GBP 7,365 per year. TLR3 covers one-year or limited responsibilities: GBP 600 to GBP 3,000 per year.

Inner London, Outer London, and Fringe weighting

Inner London boroughs pay teachers GBP 4,636 to GBP 7,611 per year on top of MPS/UPS. Outer London boroughs pay GBP 2,995 to GBP 4,513. Fringe London (surrounding boroughs) pay GBP 1,029 to GBP 2,053. These weights apply only when working in qualifying schools in the specified zones.

Frequently asked questions

(See FAQs above for the questions and answers.)

Methodology

Salary figures drawn from the Department for Education School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document 2026 (effective 1 September 2026) and the Scottish teacher pay deal. TLR allowance and London weighting figures from the same STPCD. Currency is GBP throughout.

Verify current postings on individual school or council job boards and the Department for Education STPCD portal. STPCD terms update annually through teacher collective agreement renewals.

The UK teacher workforce comprises approximately 500,000 qualified teachers across primary and secondary phases. The STPCD 2026 delivered a 4% increase to MPS/UPS salaries in England and Wales, with Scotland negotiating a separate 5% increase. NASUWT and NEU continue to campaign for above-inflation pay awards plus funded planning and assessment time. The DfE has signalled continued investment in teacher recruitment and retention, with the National Tutoring Programme and other initiatives targeting disadvantage.

Inner London schools (the 12 inner London boroughs) pay the highest MPS rates plus the GBP 4,636 to GBP 7,611 Inner London weighting. Fringe London schools in surrounding boroughs pay the GBP 1,029 to GBP 2,053 fringe weighting. Outer London boroughs pay the GBP 2,995 to GBP 4,513 outer weighting. Multi-academy trust leadership roles often pay above the standard Leadership Group scales, with headteacher salaries at large trusts reaching GBP 110,000 to GBP 150,000+. Specialist leaders of SEN provision and headship of specialist subject departments earn premium TLR allowances.

The UK teacher workforce has been shaped by the DfE Teacher Recruitment and Retention Strategy plus the ITT (initial teacher training) market reforms. School Direct, Teach First, and PGCE routes continue to supply the teacher workforce. Subject-specific shortages (mathematics, physics, chemistry, computing, modern foreign languages, SEND) attract targeted bursaries and scholarships through the DfE. Career progression into middle leadership (head of year, head of key stage, head of department) earns TLR payments of GBP 3,017 to GBP 17,801 on top of base pay. Deputy headship leadership payments add GBP 5,000 to GBP 15,000 per year. Headteacher pay scales for large schools reach GBP 110,000 to GBP 140,000+ in Inner London.

The 2026 STPCD also funded the long-term teacher recruitment and retention plan with continued investment in subject-specific bursaries and hardship payments for shortage subjects. Initial Teacher Training (ITT) market reforms continue to expand school-led and Teach First routes. Continuing professional development requirements for teachers are set by the DfE and supported by academy trusts and local authorities. Specialist qualifications like the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) support teachers transitioning to school leadership.

The Regional Schools Commissioner network continues to oversee academy trust performance across England. Academy trusts often pay above the standard STPCD rates with additional recruitment premia for shortage subjects and hardship areas. Inner London experienced MPS teachers in shortage subjects (mathematics, physics, chemistry) commonly earn GBP 40,000 to GBP 50,000 base plus TLR and London weighting, taking total pay to GBP 50,000 to GBP 65,000. Senior leaders in large MAT (multi-academy trust) structures can exceed GBP 100,000 plus performance-related bonuses.

Photo: DFID - UK Department for International Development, CC BY, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/48/Connecting_Classrooms_-_2019_Global_Teacher_Prize_Peter_Tabichi._%2848846354546%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=original)