Teacher Starting Salary 2026/27: Full Guide to Pay Scales and Regional Rates

Teacher Starting Salary 2026/27: What You Need to Know

If you are considering a career in teaching or are already in the profession, understanding the teacher starting salary for 2026/27 is essential. From September 2026, the minimum starting salary for a qualified teacher in England (excluding London) is £34,069, with higher rates in London areas. This article breaks down the pay scales, regional variations, and how your salary can progress.

Minimum Starting Salaries by Region

The Department for Education, via GOV.UK guidance, sets out the following minimum salaries for qualified teachers (with QTS) in maintained schools:

• England (excluding London): £34,069
• London fringe: £35,602
• Outer London: £39,196
• Inner London: £41,729

These figures are part of the main pay range (M1) and apply from 1 September 2026. The School Teachers’ Review Body (STRB) recommended a 3.5% increase across all pay ranges for 2026/27, which the government has accepted. For more context on how these rates compare to other roles, see our pay data page.

How the Pay Scale Works

Teachers progress through the main pay range (M1 to M6) based on performance and experience. After five years, a typical teacher could earn at least £46,960 (or more in London). The upper pay range (U1 to U3) offers further progression, with a maximum of £52,835 in England (excluding London) and up to £64,684 in inner London. These figures are from the NEU pay scales and the STRB report.

Additional Allowances and Progression

Beyond the base salary, teachers can receive extra payments for taking on responsibilities:

• Teaching and Learning Responsibility (TLR) payments: up to £17,819 per year.
• Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) allowances: from £2,885 to £5,690.
• Leadership roles: headteacher salaries range from £60,619 to £148,829 (England excluding London).

These allowances can significantly boost your total earnings. For a deeper look at how pay structures work across different sectors, visit our topics section.

Unqualified Teacher Pay

If you do not have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), you can still work as an unqualified teacher but on a lower pay scale. For 2026/27, the unqualified teacher pay range in England (excluding London) is £23,732 to £36,494. The minimum point received a 5% uplift to ensure it stays above the National Living Wage. In inner London, the range goes up to £42,429.

How Teacher Starting Salary Compares to Minimum Wage

The statutory National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.71 per hour (around £24,785 for a full-time year). The teacher starting salary of £34,069 is well above this, reflecting the professional training and responsibilities. However, unqualified teacher pay starts closer to the NLW, so it is important to check your contract and qualifications. For a full breakdown of statutory rates, see our pay guides.

Key Takeaways

• The teacher starting salary for qualified teachers in England (excluding London) is £34,069 from September 2026.
• London rates are higher: inner London starts at £41,729.
• Pay scales allow progression to over £52,000 within the upper pay range.
• Additional allowances for responsibilities can add thousands to your salary.
• Unqualified teachers earn less but still above the National Living Wage.

Whether you are entering the profession or considering a move, these figures provide a clear picture of what you can expect. Always confirm with your school or local authority, as academies and independent schools may set their own pay.