Teachers Salary UK: Average Pay, Pay Scales and What to Expect in 2026/27

Teachers Salary UK: A Detailed Look at Pay in 2026/27

Understanding the teachers salary UK landscape is essential for anyone considering a career in education or already working in schools. With new pay awards announced for September 2026 and September 2027, teacher pay remains a topic of national interest. This article breaks down the latest official figures, compares them to national averages, and explains what teachers can expect to take home.

What the Latest Data Shows

The most authoritative source for teacher pay in England is the School Teachers’ Review Body (STRB), whose 36th report (published in 2026) recommends a 3.5% pay increase for September 2026 and 3.0% for September 2027. These increases apply uniformly to all teachers and leaders, except for the unqualified teacher minimum (Rest of England) which receives a 5% uplift to keep it above the National Living Wage. The government has accepted these recommendations, subject to statutory consultation.

According to GOV.UK Get Into Teaching, from September 2026 the minimum starting salary for a qualified teacher in England will be over £34,000 (or more in London). The average teacher salary will exceed £52,800. These figures are significantly above the UK national median full-time gross annual pay of around £39,039 (2026/27 reference) and the mean of about £45,800.

For a more granular view, the Explore Education Statistics dataset (School Workforce in England, reporting year 2025) shows a median pay of £51,047 and mean pay of £52,375.8 for all teachers in state-funded schools. This dataset covers full-time and part-time teachers across nursery, primary, and secondary schools.

Pay Scales for 2026/27

The following pay ranges apply to maintained schools (local authority funded) in England from September 2026. Academies and independent schools can set their own pay but often follow these scales.

Main Pay Range (Classroom Teachers)

• England (excluding London): £34,069 – £52,835
• London fringe: £35,602 – £54,328
• Outer London: £39,196 – £58,120
• Inner London: £41,729 – £64,684

After five years of teaching, a typical teacher could earn at least £46,960 (or more in London), depending on performance and progression.

Upper Pay Range (Experienced Teachers)

• England (excluding London): £53,847 – £81,861
• London fringe: £55,332 – £83,347
• Outer London: £58,120 – £86,136
• Inner London: £64,024 – £92,043

Leadership and Headteacher Pay

• Headteacher (England excl. London): £60,619 – £148,829
• Headteacher (Inner London): £70,754 – £158,863

Unqualified Teachers

• England (excluding London): £23,732 – £36,494
• Inner London: £29,336 – £42,429

These ranges show that teacher pay can vary substantially by location and responsibility. The STRB report notes that while starting salaries have become more competitive compared to graduate entry-level roles, pay for teachers with five years’ experience (M5-M6) falls below the comparator market range.

How Teacher Pay Compares to National Averages

To put the teachers salary UK figures in context, the UK median full-time gross annual pay is around £39,039, and the mean is about £45,800. The median teacher salary of £51,047 is therefore about 31% higher than the national median. Even the minimum starting salary of £34,069 (excluding London) is above the National Living Wage for a full-time worker (approximately £24,785 at 37.5 hours/week).

However, it’s important to note that these are gross salaries before deductions. Take-home pay will be lower after Income Tax, National Insurance, pension contributions (teachers in the Teachers’ Pension Scheme contribute a percentage), and any student loan repayments. Teachers in Scotland face different Income Tax bands, which can affect net pay.

What Affects a Teacher’s Actual Pay?

Several factors influence how much a teacher actually earns:

• Location: London weighting adds thousands to the base salary.
• Experience and progression: Most teachers move up the main pay range annually, subject to performance management.
• Responsibilities: Additional allowances for roles such as Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO), head of department, or pastoral lead can add up to £17,819.
• School type: Academies and independent schools may set their own pay scales, sometimes above the maintained school ranges.
• Part-time work: Many teachers work part-time, which reduces gross pay proportionally.

The STRB report highlights that the real-terms change in median gross earnings for teachers has improved since 2010/11, but still lags behind some other professional occupations.

Future Pay Awards

The government has already announced indicative increases for September 2027 (3.0%) and September 2028 (3.0%, subject to future remit). This provides some certainty for teachers planning their finances. However, these are subject to consultation and economic conditions.

For more detailed salary comparisons across different roles, see our salary articles and salary data. You can also explore the salary index to see how teacher pay ranks against other professions.

Key Takeaways

• The teachers salary UK average is over £52,800 from September 2026, with starting salaries above £34,000.
• Median teacher pay (£51,047) is well above the UK national median (£39,039).
• London weighting significantly increases pay, especially in Inner London.
• Pay progression is linked to performance and experience, with leadership roles offering much higher earnings.
• Future pay awards of 3% in 2027 and 2028 have been recommended.

Whether you are a trainee teacher, an experienced educator, or a job seeker considering a career change, understanding these figures helps you make informed decisions. For a broader view of UK salaries, visit the UK Average Salary homepage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average teachers salary UK in 2026/27?

According to GOV.UK Get Into Teaching, the average teacher salary in England will be over £52,800 from September 2026. The School Workforce dataset for 2025 shows a mean pay of £52,375.8 and median pay of £51,047 for all teachers in state-funded schools. These figures are above the UK national median full-time pay of around £39,039.

How do teacher pay scales work in England?

Teacher pay scales are salary bands based on experience and responsibilities. The main pay range for classroom teachers in England (excluding London) runs from £34,069 to £52,835 from September 2026. Teachers typically move up the scale annually subject to performance reviews. After five years, a typical teacher could earn at least £46,960. Additional allowances are available for leadership roles, with headteachers earning up to £148,829 (excluding London).

Do teachers in London earn more?

Yes, London weighting applies. From September 2026, the main pay range for Inner London is £41,729–£64,684, Outer London £39,196–£58,120, and London fringe £35,602–£54,328. Starting salaries in Inner London can be over £41,700. Leadership and headteacher pay scales also have higher London ranges.