Teacher Salary UK 2026 — £32,916 NQT | £44,000 Average
UK teacher pay scales for 2026. From newly qualified teachers on the main scale to headteachers on the leadership scale. England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland rates.
England Teacher Pay Scales 2026
| Grade / Level | Annual Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| M1 (ECT/NQT start) | £32,916 | Newly Qualified / Early Career Teacher |
| M2 | £34,632 | Main Scale Year 2 |
| M3 | £36,431 | Main Scale Year 3 |
| M4 | £38,615 | Main Scale Year 4 |
| M5 | £41,059 | Main Scale Year 5 |
| M6 | £43,815 | Main Scale Year 6 (top of main scale) |
| UPS1 | £46,208 | Upper Pay Range Year 1 |
| UPS2 | £47,251 | Upper Pay Range Year 2 |
| UPS3 | £48,386 | Upper Pay Range Year 3 |
| L1-L4 | £48,116–£54,466 | Deputy/Assistant Head |
| L18-L43 | £89,408–£133,000+ | Headteacher |
Figures are estimates based on ONS ASHE data, sector surveys and advertised salaries. Individual salaries will vary.
About Teacher Salary Pay
Teachers in England are paid on the national teacher pay scales set by the Department for Education (DfE). Newly qualified teachers (NQTs, now called ECTs — Early Career Teachers) start on M1 at £32,916 in England following the September 2025 +4% pay award. London has higher rates to reflect the cost of living.
London Fringe rate: £35,882 (M1). Outer London: £38,215 (M1). Inner London: £40,317 (M1). The London weighting can add £5,000-£7,000 to a teacher's salary.
Scotland has a separate teacher pay scale. In 2026 the main grade teacher salary in Scotland ranges from £32,157 to £47,816. Teachers in Scotland also receive automatic incremental progression up the scale.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do teachers earn in the UK?
Newly qualified teachers (ECTs) in England start at £32,916 per year following the September 2025 4% pay award. Experienced teachers on the main scale earn up to £43,815. Teachers on the upper pay range earn £46,208–£48,386. The median teacher salary in England is approximately £44,000.
What is the starting salary for a teacher?
In England, newly qualified teachers (Early Career Teachers) start at M1, which is £32,916 per year from September 2025. In London the starting salary is higher: Inner London £40,317, Outer London £38,215, London Fringe £35,882.
How long does it take to reach the top of the teacher pay scale?
Teachers can progress from M1 to M6 (top of the main pay scale, £43,815) in approximately 6 years with annual incremental progression. Movement to the upper pay range (£46,208–£48,386) requires a formal application and assessment. Headteacher salaries are set separately by individual schools.