Understanding the Average Teacher Salary UK

What Is the Average Salary for a UK Teacher in 2024-2025?*

Are you considering stepping into the world of teaching? Perhaps you’re currently working as a teaching assistant and wondering if it’s time to take the next step to become a class teacher. Whatever your journey, understanding the earning potential as a teacher in the UK is a key part of planning your career.

In this article, we’ll break down the latest salary information for teachers in 2024-2025, so you know what to expect when searching for jobs or progressing in your career. We will also highlight the minimum salary for early career teachers in different regions of the UK.

*Following the UK government’s announcement of a 5.5 per cent pay rise for teachers in England, the below are the pay scales for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Teacher Salaries in the UK

Teaching is not just a rewarding career—it’s also well-compensated, with average salaries for teachers in the UK being competitive and reflecting the critical role educators play in shaping the lives of young people.

Here are the latest minimum (M1) and maximum (U3) salaries for qualified teachers in England and Wales, updated for the 2024-2025 academic year:

• Inner London: £38,766 – £60,092
• Outer London: £36,412 – £53,994
• Fringe Areas: £33,074 – £50,470
• Rest of England and Wales: £31,650 – £49,084

Achieving qualified teacher status (QTS) is crucial as it enables teachers to receive higher starting salaries and access benefits that unqualified teachers do not have.

For early career teachers (ECTs, formerly NQTs), starting salaries typically range from £28,000 to £34,502, depending on location.

Salaries are higher in London to reflect the increased cost of living, while school teachers in other regions receive the standard pay scale.

Teacher Pay and Salary Structure

The teacher pay and salary structure in the UK is designed to recognize and reward teachers for their hard work and dedication. The structure is based on a national pay scale, which provides a framework for salaries across the country. The pay scale is divided into different ranges, including the main pay range, upper pay range, and leadership pay range.

Teachers who are new to the profession, known as early career teachers (ECTs), start on the main pay range. As they gain experience and meet the teaching standards set by their school, they can progress up the pay range. Qualified teachers can also apply to move onto the upper pay range, which offers higher salaries.

In addition to the national pay scale, schools can also offer additional payments and benefits to their teachers. These can include things like teaching and learning responsibility (TLR) payments, special educational needs (SEN) allowances, and bonuses for outstanding performance.

Teacher Salary by Type of School

Teacher salaries can vary depending on the type of school. For example, teachers working in private schools may earn higher salaries than those working in state-funded schools. Additionally, teachers working in schools with high levels of deprivation or challenging pupil behavior may receive additional payments to reflect the extra demands of their role.

Regional Variations in Teacher Salary

Teacher salaries can also vary depending on the region in which you work. For example, teachers working in London and the surrounding areas tend to earn higher salaries than those working in other parts of the country.

Career Progression

Teaching offers plenty of opportunities for salary growth as you take on more responsibility and advance in your career.

Career progression can lead to a significant pay rise for teachers, influenced by appraisals, government proposals, and trade union activism.

Senior Teachers

With experience, teachers can progress to senior roles, such as Head of Department or pastoral leads. These positions come with increased salaries to reflect the additional responsibilities.

• Inner London: £48,055 – £60,865
• Outer London: £45,839 – £56,959
• Rest of England and Wales: £44,305 – £55,360

Lead Practitioners

Lead Practitioners mentor new teachers and oversee teaching standards, which is a natural progression for experienced educators looking to boost their earnings.

• Inner London: £52,737 – £79,340
• Outer London: £50,587 – £72,480
• Rest of England and Wales: £48,606 – £70,485

Additional Responsibilities

Teachers can also take on Teaching and Learning Responsibilities (TLRs) for leading curriculum development or supporting student welfare. These responsibilities come with extra pay ranging from £3,017 to £14,732, depending on the scope of the role.

Headteachers and Leadership Roles

For those aspiring to lead a school, including head teachers, salaries increase significantly:

• Inner London: £59,186 – £147,585
• Outer London: £53,730 – £142,177
• Rest of England and Wales: £49,780 – £138,264

Benefits Beyond Salary

Teaching isn’t just about the pay—many people are drawn to the profession for the job satisfaction, and the holidays.

Teachers in the UK are entitled to a generous amount of holiday time, with a minimum of 195 days off per year. This is compared to an average of 227 days for other professions.

• Summer holidays: 6-8 weeks
• Christmas holidays: 2-3 weeks
• Easter holidays: 2-3 weeks
• Half-term breaks: 1-2 weeks

This extensive time off allows teachers to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance, making teaching a highly attractive career choice. Although, as any teacher will tell you, teachers often use a portion of this time to plan for the upcoming term and finalise assessments from the previous one.

Why Choose Prospero Teaching?

At Prospero Teaching, we’re here to help you achieve your full potential. Whether you’re looking for your first teaching role, a step up in your career, or a position that fits your lifestyle, our expert consultants can match you with opportunities that align with your goals.

We also offer support for early career teachers, flexible roles for those still studying, and pathways for experienced educators to take on leadership roles.

Ready to find your next role? Explore our teaching jobs today or get in touch with our team to discuss your career aspirations.

Teaching is more than a job—it’s a chance to inspire the next generation. Let us help you take the next step.