Introduction

We all remember our favourite teachers from school, whether they were the ones who inspired us to study a subject at university, train for a particular career or those who injected a sense of fun into their lessons. Imagine the privilege of being that teacher for another young person – that is the reality of being a teacher, every single day.

Children never get a second chance at their education.. You are in a position to change lives – not many other jobs can say that.

Benefits

Teaching is a challenging, but highly rewarding profession. As a qualified teacher, you are a role model to your learners. You’re responsible for equipping them with skills that will benefit them for years to come, helping them to realise their potential, develop confidence and ultimately change for the better. Teachers are just one part of a school’s community and work with learners, colleagues, parents and governors to make a difference, educating and inspiring each generation of learners… and each other!

Learning is a two-way process; not only will you ensure your pupils learn, but there are excellent opportunities for you to learn and develop professionally too. Nationally recognised courses and qualifications are available for you to study, which can help and support you in your career journey.

There are ample opportunities for career progression in teaching, such as routes into leadership or specialist advisory roles. Teaching offers job security and is great for those who have families; you and your children will mostly share the same holidays!

Any job involving children and young people is bound to have an element of unpredictability and this is no less true for teaching. While each day has a routine and rhythm, there is no possibility of being bored! Your pupils will challenge and surprise you in ways you could never have imagined.

Salaries

Schools develop their own pay scales to attract and retain teachers that have the greatest impact on their pupils’ learning.

What you’re paid will be linked to performance, not length of service, meaning your salary can increase as you go through your career.

Teacher pay and benefits

If you’re a primary or secondary teacher in England, your salary will depend on the type of school you work in, where the school is, and the pay range you’re on.

The pay ranges below apply to maintained schools (schools funded by local authorities).

Non-maintained schools (for example, academies, independent schools and private schools) can set their own pay, but often follow these pay ranges.

Figures apply from 1 September 2023.

Primary and secondary teacher salary

If you have qualified teacher status (QTS), you’ll get a minimum starting salary of £30,000 (or more in London) as a primary or secondary school teacher in England.

Your salary will be reviewed every year, with most teachers moving up the pay range annually. This will depend on your school’s performance management arrangements.

Qualified teacher salary

Career progression

Leading practitioner salary

You may wish to consider becoming a ‘Leading Practitioner’. This is an excellent and highly skilled teacher who consistently demonstrates the highest standards of classroom practice.

You’ll share your skills and experience through coaching, mentoring and induction of other teachers, including trainees and Early Career Teachers (ECTs).

The pay scale for leading practitioners is depends on where you teach.

Some schools have a leading practitioner pay range for teachers with exemplary teaching skills who lead the improvement of teaching in their school.

What this will involve will depend on your school, but could include:

• coaching and mentoring other teachers, including trainees and early career teachers
• undertaking a national professional qualification (NPQ)
• supporting your school with plans to reduce workload

Early Career Teacher (ECT) benefits

Once you successfully complete your initial teacher training, you’ll be known as an Early Career Teacher (ECT). You’ll automatically be given a 2-year package to support you at the start of your career, based on the Early Career Framework (ECF). This is a DfE programme to support new teachers and was launched nationally in September 2021.

The support package includes:

• funded 10% time off timetable in your first year of teaching,
• funded 5% time off timetable in the second year of teaching,
• a range of high-quality, freely available curricula and teacher training materials underpinned by the early career framework;
• funded training for mentors of early career teachers; and
• funded time for mentors to support early career teachers.

Teachers’ Pension Scheme

The Teachers’ Pension Scheme gives you a regular source of income when you retire. It is:

• based on your teaching salary and service rather than investments;
• registered with HM Revenue and Customs – so your contributions are tax-free; and
• flexible and allows you to take some of it as a tax-free lump sum.

Career Progression

Additional Responsibilities

Teachers in state schools are usually paid according to the teaching pay scales but your salary can be topped up with a teaching and learning responsibility (TLR) payment.

TLRs are paid if you’ve taken on added responsibility, such as becoming head of year or head of department, progressing the education of people beyond your assigned pupils or leading, developing and enhancing the teaching practice of others.

When you are paid a TLR, you receive an additional payment on top of your standard salary. 

Different types of TLRs

TLR payments fall into three categories. TLR1 and TLR2 payments are awarded to teachers undertaking sustained additional responsibility. TLR3 payments are awarded to teachers who are taking on a time-limited school improvement project or one-off responsibility.

• TLR1 payments range from £9,272 to £15,690
• TLR2 payments range from £3,214 to £7,847
• TLR3 payments range from £639 to £3,169

Assistant / Deputy Headteachers and Headteachers

As an Assistant or Deputy Headteacher, you will support your Headteacher in leading your school to be a centre of excellence. You will play a crucial role in supporting the Headteacher to implement their vision of providing your pupils with the best possible education. Additionally, as a Deputy Headteacher, in the absence of the headteacher, you will automatically assume responsibility for the complete running of your school.

Headteachers are the most senior teachers in schools and are responsible for leading and managing staff and pupils. By creating positive, nurturing learning environments, you will strive to ensure that all members of the school community are able to achieve their best. It is your vision, leadership and direction which will shape and drive forward your school.

Leading practitioner salary

Headteacher salary