Teachers in England will receive a 3.5% pay increase from September 2026, following the Government's acceptance of the School Teachers' Review Body (STRB) recommendations. This latest uplift is designed to support teacher recruitment and retention while recognising the vital role teachers play in educating the nation's children.
Whether you're starting your teaching career or progressing through the Upper Pay Range, here's everything you need to know about the updated teacher pay scales for the 2026/27 academic year.
How Teacher Salaries Are Changing in 2026–27
From September 2026, the minimum starting salary for classroom teachers outside London will increase to £34,068, with all points on the Main Pay Range (MPR) and Upper Pay Range (UPR) increasing by 3.5%.
Teacher Pay Scale 2026–27 (England, excluding London)
|
Scale
|
2025–26
|
2026–27
|
Increase
|
|
M1
|
£32,916
|
£34,068
|
3.5%
|
|
M2
|
£34,822
|
£36,041
|
3.5%
|
|
M3
|
£37,101
|
£38,400
|
3.5%
|
|
M4
|
£39,555
|
£40,939
|
3.5%
|
|
M5
|
£42,056
|
£43,528
|
3.5%
|
|
M6
|
£45,350
|
£46,937
|
3.5%
|
|
U1
|
£47,472
|
£49,133
|
3.5%
|
|
U2
|
£49,232
|
£50,955
|
3.5%
|
|
U3
|
£51,047
|
£52,834
|
3.5%
|
Teachers working in London will continue to receive higher salaries through the Inner London, Outer London and London Fringe pay scales. For example, starting salaries range from £35,601 in the London Fringe to £41,728 in Inner London.
Unsure how much pay you will receive in 2026/27?
Use the DfE’s handy tool to calculate how much pay you will receive in 2026-27.
What Is the Main Pay Range?
Most classroom teachers begin on the Main Pay Range (M1–M6). As you gain experience and successfully meet your school's appraisal and performance expectations, you'll typically progress through the pay points.
Once you've reached the top of the Main Pay Range, you may apply to move onto the Upper Pay Range (U1–U3), recognising your sustained high-quality teaching and wider contribution to school life. Progression is determined by your employer and isn't automatic.
Additional Payments You May Receive
Your basic salary may be supplemented if you take on additional responsibilities or work in specialist roles.
These include:
- Teaching and Learning Responsibility (TLR) payments for responsibilities such as leading a subject, year group or key stage.
- SEND Allowance for eligible teachers working with pupils who have special educational needs and disabilities.
- Leadership pay scales for assistant headteachers, deputy headteachers and headteachers.
The Government has confirmed that these additional allowances will also increase alongside the 2026 pay award.
Looking for Your Next Teaching Role?
Whether you're an Early Career Teacher, an experienced classroom teacher or looking for your next long-term or permanent opportunity, Flourish Education is here to help.
We work with primary, secondary and SEND schools across the West Midlands, matching talented teachers with roles that suit their experience, career goals and lifestyle.
Browse our latest teaching vacancies or get in touch with our friendly team to discuss your next move.