Teacher Pay Scales in England: A Guide for Job Seekers

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Teacher pay scales are based on factors like experience, qualified teacher status and regional differences, making it essential to know where you fit.

Whether you’re a new teacher or an experienced educator considering a move, this guide will help you navigate the landscape of teacher salaries, from the unqualified teacher pay scale through the Main Pay Scale (MPS) to the Upper Pay Scale (UPS), as well as how pay progression works.

What are the teacher pay scales?

The teacher pay scales in England are organised into distinct pay ranges:

  • Unqualified Teacher Pay Scale: This is for teachers who do not currently hold qualified teacher status.
  • Main Pay Scale (MPS): This is where newly-qualified and less experienced teachers typically start their careers. It includes six pay points, with teachers moving through the points as they gain experience.
  • Upper Pay Scale (UPS): Designed for more experienced teachers, the UPS has three levels. Transitioning to this scale requires a formal application.
  • Leadership Pay Scale: This is for school headteachers and other senior leaders.

Pay scales also differ based on region. For example, teachers in inner London earn more than their counterparts in the rest of the country due to the higher cost of living. These differences are meant to compensate for the varying living costs across different regions​.

Current Teacher pay scales 2024/2025

Each year the Pay scales are reviewed and confirmed by the Department for Education. Local authority-maintained schools must follow these pay scales but academies and free schools are allowed to set their own.

Teacher pay scales 2024/2025

Teacher Pay Scales – England Excluding London
Teacher Pay Scale – Fringe Area
Teacher Pay Scale – Outer London Area
Teacher Pay Scales – Inner London Area

School leaders pay scales 2024/2025

School Leaders Pay Scale – England Excluding London
School Leaders Pay Scale – Fringe Area
School Leaders Pay Scale – Outer London Area
School Leaders Pay Scale – Inner London Area

Illustrations courtesy of Schools Week, view a text version here

Predictions and speculations on Teachers pay scales

Ministers are under pressure to ensure future pay adjustments follow inflation and make teaching more financially competitive with other professions. Changes in recruitment and retention challenges may also influence future pay rises.

For the previous year’s teacher pay scale details, see 22/23 Teacher Pay scales.

Finding your place on the teacher pay scale

When determining your starting point on the pay scale, several factors are considered, such as your experience, qualifications, and the specific needs of the school. Newly-qualified teachers generally start at the M1 point, while experienced teachers or those with additional responsibilities may start higher. Schools may also offer flexibility for candidates with unique expertise or relevant industry experience.

The role of pay progression in teaching

Previous to 2024, progression for teachers was based on performance appraisals, typically held annually. These appraisals assess your contribution to the school, including student progress and classroom effectiveness. However, currently the government has committed to removing the “bureaucratic requirement” of performance-related pay in schools by September 2024. Read the full article on Schools Week and subscribe for more updates.

Additional pay and allowances

Besides the standard pay scales, many teachers are eligible for additional allowances:

  • Teaching and Learning Responsibility (TLR) Payments: These are extra payments for teachers who take on additional responsibilities, such as leading a department or overseeing a subject. TLR payments differ, depending on the level of responsibility.
  • Special Educational Needs (SEN) Allowances: Teachers who support students with special educational needs may also receive allowances.

These allowances aim to recognise the extra efforts required in certain roles and help retain talent in more challenging teaching environments.

Key takeaways for job seekers

Teacher pay in England is structured to reward experience, regional demands, and additional responsibilities. From understanding the difference between the Main Pay Scale and Upper Pay Scale to recognising the opportunities for pay progression and additional allowances, it is essential for teachers at all stages of their careers to be well-informed about their earning potential.

Find your next Job in Education.

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The A-Z of Jobs in Education

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(and whether they’re right for you)

If you’re considering a career in the education sector, it’s likely you’re attracted to roles that offer a degree of personal fulfilment, as well as a competitive salary and opportunities for growth. But with such a wide range of roles on offer – both in and outside of the classroom – it can be tricky to get a sense of your options and what might suit you.

Here, we list some popular jobs in Education, along with our insider summary of responsibilities and attributes.

Adult education and training

Adult learners are often highly committed to their studies, making a career in adult education a rewarding choice.

Here are some example jobs within adult education & training:

  • Adult Education Instructors teach across a huge range of subjects; designing courses and facilitating learning on everything from computer programming to meditation. Candidates usually have excellent communication skills, patience and empathy.
  • Vocational Trainers develop and deliver practical, hands-on courses for specific vocational skills and professions (think welding, food safety, mechanics or even digital marketing). These trainers have deep domain knowledge and a willingness to stay up to date with industry trends.
  • Workplace Learning Advisors work alongside employers to identify learning needs and align initiatives with organisational goals. Suits those with strong consulting skills and a strategic mindset.

Career guidance and counselling

A good careers advisor can make a world of difference to a young person as they take their first steps into the world of work.

Here are some example jobs within career guidance and counselling:

  • Careers Advisors help students find their feet by providing information on various career paths. Candidates are often good at building rapport and putting others at ease.
  • Employability Skills Trainers specialise in equipping students with practical skills, like problem-solving and time management that are tailored to the workplace. Keeping up to date with workplace trends is essential so a proactive mindset is key.
  • School Counsellors provide a mixture of academic and personal counselling to students, helping them overcome challenges and make decisions. This role demands excellent active listening skills and suits those with natural empathy.

Corporate training and development

A career in this area allows you to make a direct impact on organisational success by enhancing the skills of its people.

Here are some example jobs within corporate training and development:

  • Corporate Trainers design and deliver training that addresses specific learning needs within an organisation. The best are able to create engaging content and really connect with an audience.
  • Learning and Development Managers are responsible for overseeing employee training programs, managing the entire process from analysis and planning to evaluation. Candidates are often strong on project and stakeholder management.
  • Training Consultants advise organisations on training and development strategies and provide guidance to tailor and optimise training programs for maximum impact. They typically have strong analytical skills and an up to date knowledge of industry best practices.

Curriculum development and assessment

A career in this area can give you an exciting opportunity to influence school curricula in line with student needs.

Here are some example jobs within curriculum development and assessment:

  • Assessment Coordinators ensure that exams are administered fairly and efficiently. They collaborate with educators to design assessments and analyse data to enhance future teaching strategies. Ideal candidates are collaborative with great attention to detail and a commitment to the integrity of the exam process.
  • Curriculum Coordinators are responsible for designing and updating school curricula to keep things engaging and ensure alignment with standards. They are often highly creative and have a strong understanding of educational pedagogy.
  • Exams Officers are essential to the smooth running of the examination process, managing logistics, coordinating exam schedules, and ensuring compliance with regulations. They often have strong organisational skills and perform well under pressure.

Educational Technology and E-Learning

If you’re tech savvy and creative, a career in this area could see you make a real difference to student learning experiences.

Here are some example jobs within educational technology and e-Learning:

  • E-Learning Developers create engaging and often highly interactive lessons and assessments for digital learners. They are often creative, adaptable and have strong instructional design skills.
  • Educational Technology Specialists play a hands-on role to help educators integrate digital technology into teaching. They are usually technically proficient and great collaborators.
  • ICT Coordinators oversee the strategic use of technology across a school. They manage the infrastructure, implement policy, and ensure that digital resources are effectively integrated into teaching. Good candidates have strong organisational and leadership skills and are able to align technology initiatives with educational goals.

Higher and further education

A career in further education gives you the chance to help a diverse range of students to improve their skills after compulsory schooling. Meanwhile, a role in higher (degree-level) education can offer intellectual stimulation and research opportunities in a university setting.

Here are some example jobs within higher and further education:

  • University Lecturers and Professors have the exciting dual role of teaching and conducting research at university level. They inspire and mentor students while advancing knowledge through their research. Suits those with a deep passion for their subject and strong research skills.
  • College Lecturers deliver engaging lessons, assess student progress, and often help develop curriculum materials. Usually effective communicators who are adept at engaging students.
  • Academic Registrars are responsible for the administrative aspects of education, ensuring the accurate recording and management of academic records and student registrations. Often possess strong organisational and stakeholder-management skills.

International education

A career in this area could see you positively impact the academic and cultural experiences of students from around the world.

Here are some example jobs within international education:

  • International Admissions Officers manage application processes, assess eligibility and offer guidance to prospective students, helping foster an inclusive community. Requires cultural sensitivity and excellent attention to detail.
  • International Student Advisors assist international students with academic and personal matters including visa regulations and cultural adjustment. They often act as a bridge between students and campus services using strong interpersonal and problem solving skills.
  • Study Abroad Coordinators specialise in organising study abroad programs for local students. They partner with international institutions and manage logistics to ensure a seamless and enriching educational experience. Candidates are usually strong communicators with a passion for expanding the horizons of the students they serve.

Leadership

School leadership roles offer a platform to lead positive change and make a lasting impact on a school and its community.

Here are some job roles within Leadership:

  • Headteachers (or Principals, as they are sometimes called), provide overall leadership to their schools, shaping vision, setting strategic goals, and fostering a positive learning environment. Involves oversight of staff development, student outcomes, and community engagement. Are often excellent decision makers and good at motivating others.
  • Deputy Head Teachers support Headteachers in day-to-day school management. They are typically strong collaborators and problem solvers.
  • School Business Managers are responsible for overseeing the financial and administrative aspects of the school; managing budgets, allocating resources and ensuring regulatory compliance. Usually have strong financial acumen, organisational skills, and attention to detail.

Librarianship and information services

At the front line of knowledge-sharing, these roles allow you to make a real impact on educational experience and foster a love of learning among students.

Here are some example jobs within librarianship and information services:

  • Librarians manage, organise and develop library resources as well as supporting users with their research. Ideal candidates have strong organisational skills and a passion for literature.
  • Information Specialists are responsible for managing digital resources, databases, and information systems within an educational setting. They tend to have strong analytical and problem-solving skills and like to stay up to date with technological advancements.

Policy and research

Take a role in this area and you’ll have an opportunity to contribute to positive systemic change.

Here are some example jobs within policy and research:

  • Education Policy Analysts focus on analysing and influencing education policies. They conduct research, evaluate the impact of current policies and make recommendations for effective education practices. Calls for strong critical thinking and a deep understanding of the education system.
  • Policy and Communications Officers are responsible for communicating education policies to stakeholders. Often competent writers who are proficient in stakeholder engagement.
  • Researchers in Education conduct research on sector trends and issues.They design and run studies, collect data, and produce evidence-based insights that inform future practice and policy. Attention to detail and strong empirical research skills are a must.

Special educational needs (SEN)

SEN specialists have the opportunity to make a transformative impact on the lives of individuals with diverse learning needs.

Here are some example jobs within SEN:

  • Behaviour Support Officers work closely with students, teachers, and parents to assist with behaviour management and intervention. The focus on behavioural challenges calls for strong interpersonal skills as well as empathy, patience and resilience.
  • SEN Coordinators support students with special educational needs; collaborating with teachers, parents, and external agencies to create appropriate individual education plans. Successful candidates have strong organisational and stakeholder skills as well as empathy.
  • SEN Teachers deliver specialised instruction to students with SEN, addressing their unique learning challenges. Are typically patient, creative and naturally collaborative.

Teaching

A career in teaching can be incredibly rewarding, offering the opportunity to inspire and empower students, and to witness their personal and academic growth.

Here are some example jobs within teaching:

  • Classroom Teachers, as we all recall, are chiefly focused on delivering lessons and facilitating student learning. The best are passionate about their subject, patient, and able to connect with students.
  • Heads of Department are responsible for leading and managing specific subject areas.They coordinate curriculum development, mentor teachers, and set departmental standards. Typically possess strong leadership, organisational and subject expertise.
  • Teaching Assistants offer vital support to classroom teachers. They provide tailored support for students and help manage resources. They are often highly adaptable with patience and empathy.

Feeling inspired?

If you find the above summary inspiring, we’d love to help you find your dream job in education. Start exploring jobs using our job search tool, powered by Schools Week and FE Week.

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10 popular jobs in schools

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Working in a school can be extremely fulfilling. Whether you’re in a teaching or non-teaching role, the environment is bustling and collaborative, making it a naturally supportive environment for professional growth. Often, there’s a real sense of community and camaraderie as staff work towards the shared goal of building a positive learning environment for students.

Step into a good school and you’ll feel an energy and sense of purpose that’s contagious. By their nature, schools are dynamic places, continually adapting in response to societal needs, technological advancements, and legislative changes.


There are a wide variety of roles on offer, here we take a look at 10 popular jobs in schools.

1. Teachers

At the heart of every school, classroom teachers are the bedrock of education. Passionate about their subjects, patient, and adept at connecting with students, these educators inspire academic and personal growth. And there’s great variety here too, depending on the subject you choose. While art teachers nurture creativity and unlock personal expression, science teachers are inspiring the next generation of innovators who will tackle the world’s environmental concerns.

Meanwhile, Physical Education (PE) Teachers play a crucial role, helping our young people understand how an active lifestyle affects physical and mental wellbeing and building confidence that can be the bedrock of healthy attitudes towards everything from body positivity to the importance of teamwork. If you want to explore more teaching jobs, then we have another article here.

2. Teaching Assistants

Teaching Assistants are the unsung heroes of the classroom. Highly adaptable, patient, and empathetic, they provide tailored student assistance, help manage resources and provide invaluable support to teachers. A typical day might include helping with lessons preparation including setting up materials and technological tools and replenishing art or stationery supplies, as well as collaborating closely with the teacher to help students get to grips with new ideas.

3. Headteachers

Headteachers, or Principals as they are now often known, provide overall leadership, shape vision, and take responsibility for creating a positive learning environment for their students, as well as a positive working environment for their staff. They also play a pivotal role in steering the school toward success. Their skills in decision-making and stakeholder management are essential for an institution’s progress. Flexibility and adaptability are also key; essential for navigating shifts in educational policies, adapting strategies, and motivating others to embrace change.

4. School Counselors

In recent years, and particularly after the impacts of COVID 19, there has been an increasing focus on mental health support in schools. The role of school counsellor has never been more important, providing indispensable guidance to students on both academic and personal matters and fostering resilience. School counselors often have excellent active listening skills, natural empathy, and a knack for building rapport with the young people they support.

5. School Librarians

School Librarians manage, organise, and develop library resources. For many, they are also the people who open the door to a love of reading, or even for the act of learning itself. In addition to curating a diverse collection of books that cater to various interests and reading levels, they also help students develop information literacy skills, including how to evaluate the information they find online. Ideal candidates have a passion for literature and strong organisational skills. Many are also skilled at what you might call ‘hosting’; creating an inviting, inclusive atmosphere that fosters self-directed learning.

6. Administrative Staff

Sometimes in a ‘front of house’ role, but often behind the scenes, School Administrative Staff are responsible for making sure everything runs smoothly and efficiently. Often the first port of call for students, parents and colleagues, administrative staff have a uniquely multi-faceted understanding of the school community that makes them invaluable to the leadership team. Typically have excellent people and organisational skills.

7. School Business Managers

School Business Managers enjoy a multifaceted role. Responsible for overseeing the financial and administrative aspects of school life, they manage budgets, allocate resources, and ensure stringent regulatory compliance – all vital to the creation of a stable foundation for operational excellence. Strong financial acumen, organisational skills, and attention to detail are prerequisites for this role. The best School Business Managers are also approachable and collaborative, helping them work with internal colleagues and external partners for strong alignment between operational strategies and a school’s broader mission.

8. Special Education Needs (SEN) Coordinators

Being a SEN Coordinator or “SENCOs” can be a highly stimulating and rewarding role, giving you the chance to make a significant positive impact on the lives of students with special educational needs. SENCOs collaborate with teachers, parents, and external agencies to create individualised education plans. In addition, they often act as advocates for the students they support, helping to make sure that the school takes their needs into account and champions inclusivity.
The role is ever-changing, requiring continuous professional development to stay informed about new strategies, interventions, and legal frameworks.

9. IT Support Staff

Over the last ten years schools have increasingly sought to embrace technologies like interactive whiteboards, online learning platforms and educational software as a core part of the teaching arsenal. The changes mean that IT Support Staff are now indispensable. It’s important to remember that in addition to managing infrastructure, maintaining cloud-based systems, and troubleshooting, they also need to be great collaborators, making sure digital resources can be effectively integrated into teaching. The best are passionate about keeping abreast of technological developments and translating their benefits into engaging learning experiences.

10. Caretaker

Caretakers are a vital part of a thriving school community, the job title itself contains the word ‘care’. In broad terms, caretakers are responsible for creating a clean and safe environment that allows students to work and play. But there are many different aspects to the role, from facilities maintenance, groundskeeping and stock management to ensuring that safety and security regulations are adhered to and even coordinating a school’s response in the event of a weather or security emergency. The best school caretakers are reliable and proactive with strong collaboration and problem-solving skills.

Looking for first or next job in a schools?

We can help. Explore these schools job roles and more in our education jobs search tool, brought to you by reputable publications, Schools Week and FE Week.
Your fulfilling new job in a School awaits. Start your schools job search today.

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10 popular Teaching jobs explained

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A job in teaching can offer tremendous variety and satisfaction, giving you the chance to make a real difference to the students you meet along the way.

As education employment experts, we’re here to help you find your next dream job in teaching, whether that be the much-loved classroom teacher or a college lecturer.

Here we focus on ten popular teaching roles. We delve into key responsibilities, attributes and average earning potential to help you get a sense of which role could be right for you. For a wider view on roles in the education sector, read our ‘Overview of jobs in education’ article. For this article we look at the varied roles that make up an effective teaching community.

Teaching roles typically involve designing and delivering lessons and facilitating learning. But there are differences, depending on the age and learning needs of the students you choose to teach, and the extent to which you wish to combine teaching with leadership duties.

1. Early Years Teacher

“Play is the highest form of research.” – Albert Einstein

Focus: Early Years Teachers care for children in preschool and early years settings focusing on educating their young students in foundational skills such as mark making and number recognition, as well as social development.

Attributes: This role suits those who are patient, nurturing and who take pleasure in facilitating learning through play.

Earning potential: Fair

2. Primary School Teacher

“A teacher affects eternity; they can never tell where their influence stops.” – Henry Adams

Focus: Primary School Teachers teach the complete range of subjects to children aged between 5-11 years. They plan and deliver lessons, assess progress and support their students on an individual basis, often getting to know them quite well.

Attributes: This role suits those who are patient and nurturing with strong organisational and classroom management skills.

Earning potential: Medium

3. Secondary School Teacher

“The best teacher is not the one who knows most but the one who is most capable of reducing knowledge to that simple compound of the obvious and wonderful.” – H.L. Mencken

Focus: Secondary School Teachers instruct students aged between 16 and 18 years in a specific subject area. Like primary school teachers, they plan, teach, assess progress and offer support. At secondary level there is a greater focus on fostering critical thinking and independent learning skills and on preparing students for exams.

Attributes: The best are passionate about their chosen subject area, adaptable and resilient.

Earning potential: Medium

4. Headteacher/Principal

“Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.” – Simon Sinek

Focus: Headteachers or Principals as they are sometimes called provide overall leadership to their schools, shaping vision, setting strategic goals, and fostering a positive learning environment. Involves oversight of staff development, student outcomes, and community engagement.

Attributes: Are often excellent decision makers and good at motivating others.

Earning potential: High

5. Teaching Assistant

“Every child deserves a champion – an adult who will never give up on them.” – Rita F. Pierson

Focus: Teaching Assistants offer vital support to classroom teachers. They provide tailored support for students and help manage resources.

Attributes: They are often highly adaptable with patience and empathy.

Earning potential: Fair

6. Supply Teacher

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou

Focus: Supply Teachers fill in for regular teachers on a temporary basis so that students don’t miss out if their usual teacher is ill or otherwise unavailable. May involve teaching students a wide range of subject areas and grade levels.

Attributes: Suits those who are adaptable and able to build rapport fast. Great for those who enjoy variety and value flexibility in work schedules.

Earning potential: Fair – Medium

7. Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teacher

“Every student can learn, just not on the same day or in the same way.” – George Evans

Focus: SEN Teachers deliver specialised instruction to students with SEN. This may involve creating customised lesson plans, specialised teaching techniques, and collaborating with other professionals to address the unique challenges students with SEN may face.

Attributes: Are typically patient, creative and naturally collaborative.

Earning potential: Medium

8. Heads of Department

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela

Focus: Heads of Department are responsible for leading and managing specific subject areas. They coordinate curriculum development, mentor teachers, and set departmental standards.

Attributes: Typically possess strong leadership, organisational and subject expertise.

Earning potential: High

9. Adult Education Teacher

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” – C.S. Lewis

Focus: Adult Education Teachers teach across a huge range of subjects; designing courses and facilitating learning on everything from computer programming to meditation.

Attributes: Candidates usually have excellent communication skills, patience and empathy.

Earning potential: Medium

10. ESL (English as a Second Language) Teacher

“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” – Malcolm X

Focus: ESL Teachers instruct students who do not speak English as their first language, with a primary focus on English language skills including reading, writing, speaking, and listening. While they may incorporate content from other subjects to enhance language acquisition, their main responsibility is to support students in becoming proficient in English.

Attributes: Usually have strong communication skills, cultural sensitivity, and a passion for facilitating language acquisition.

Earning potential: Fair – Medium

Looking for a job in Teaching?

We can help. Whether you aspire to be a nurturing primary school teacher, an inspiring college lecturer, or a visionary headteacher shaping the future of education, the diverse roles in the teaching community cater to a broad spectrum of passions and skills. Your fulfilling new job in a School awaits. Start your teaching job search today, brought to you by reputable publications, Schools Week and FE Week.

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