Unqualified teacher salary 2026/27: rates, regions and the National Living Wage

Understanding the unqualified teacher salary in 2026/27

If you are working as an unqualified teacher or considering a role without Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), it is important to know how the unqualified teacher salary is set and how it interacts with the National Living Wage. This guide explains the current pay scales, regional differences, and what you can expect to take home.

What is the unqualified teacher salary?

The unqualified teacher salary is determined by the School Teachers’ Review Body (STRB) and applies to teachers in maintained schools in England who do not hold QTS. The pay scales for 2026/27 have been increased by 3.5 per cent, as confirmed by NEU guidance. For a full-time unqualified teacher in England (excluding London), the annual salary ranges from £23,732 at point 1 to £36,494 at point 6. These figures are based on a standard working week and must be pro-rated for part-time roles.

In London, the rates are higher to reflect the higher cost of living:

• London Fringe: £24,909 to £38,004
• Outer London: £27,727 to £40,831
• Inner London: £29,336 to £42,429

These figures come from GOV.UK guidance and the NEU pay scales. Note that academies and free schools may set their own pay ranges, so always check your contract.

How the National Living Wage affects unqualified teacher pay

A critical issue for unqualified teachers on the lowest pay point is the risk of earning below the National Living Wage (NLW). From April 2026, the NLW for workers aged 21 and over is £12.71 per hour, as set out in the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Regulations 2026. The NASUWT bulletin highlights that an unqualified teacher on point 1 (U1) who is directed to work more than 36 hours per week would receive an hourly rate of only £12.07 – below the NLW. Schools must therefore limit directed hours for U1 teachers to 35 hours per week to stay compliant.

For unqualified teachers on higher points, the hourly rate is above the NLW, but the margin is narrow. For example, point 2 pays £13.84 per hour based on a 35-hour week. Always check your actual hours and compare them to the statutory minimum wage rates on our UK Minimum Wage page.

Regional variations in unqualified teacher pay

The unqualified teacher salary varies significantly by region. The London supplements are designed to attract staff to higher-cost areas, but even within London there are three tiers. If you work in a school in the London Fringe area, your salary will be higher than in the rest of England but lower than in Outer or Inner London. The exact boundaries are defined by the Department for Education, so check whether your school is in a London area.

For unqualified teachers in Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland, separate pay scales apply. The GOV.UK national pay scales page shows that unqualified teachers in Wales start at £21,812 (2025/26 figure) and in Scotland at £33,594, but these may have changed for 2026/27. Always refer to the relevant national guidance.

Age bands and eligibility for unqualified teachers

Unlike the National Minimum Wage, which has age bands (21+, 18–20, under 18, and apprentices), the unqualified teacher salary does not have age bands. However, your age affects your entitlement to the NLW. If you are under 21, you are not entitled to the NLW rate of £12.71 but rather the lower National Minimum Wage rates (£10.85 for ages 18–20, £8.00 for under 18). This means that unqualified teachers under 21 on the lowest pay point may be less likely to fall below their minimum wage, but they still earn significantly less than older colleagues.

For more details on how age affects your pay, see our pay guides page.

Take-home pay considerations

Your take-home pay as an unqualified teacher depends on your salary, tax code, pension contributions, and any deductions. The annual salary figures are gross, before tax and National Insurance. Use a take-home pay calculator to estimate your net income. Also consider that unqualified teachers are not eligible for the same benefits as qualified teachers, such as certain progression opportunities or the Teacher Pension Scheme in the same way.

If you are on the lowest pay point and working full-time, your hourly rate may be close to the NLW. This can affect your entitlement to benefits or tax credits. Always check your payslip and compare your hourly rate to the statutory minimum using our pay data page.

Frequently asked questions

What is the unqualified teacher salary for 2026/27? For 2026/27, the unqualified teacher salary in England (excluding London) ranges from £23,732 at the minimum point to £36,494 at the maximum point. In London areas, the range is higher: London Fringe £24,909–£38,004, Outer London £27,727–£40,831, and Inner London £29,336–£42,429. These figures are from NEU guidance and GOV.UK teacher pay pages.

Can an unqualified teacher earn less than the National Living Wage? Yes, it is possible. The NASUWT bulletin warns that an unqualified teacher on the lowest pay point (U1) who is directed to work more than 36 hours per week in England would receive an hourly rate below the National Living Wage. For 2026/27, the NLW is £12.71 per hour for workers aged 21 and over. Schools must ensure unqualified teachers on U1 work fewer than 36 hours per week to avoid breaching minimum wage legislation.

Do unqualified teachers in London get paid more? Yes, unqualified teachers in London receive higher salaries to account for the higher cost of living. The pay scales include separate ranges for London Fringe, Outer London, and Inner London. For example, the minimum unqualified teacher salary in Inner London is £29,336 compared to £23,732 in the rest of England (excluding London). These rates are published by GOV.UK and the NEU.

Final thoughts

The unqualified teacher salary for 2026/27 has increased by 3.5 per cent, but the lowest point remains close to the National Living Wage. If you are considering this role, check your directed hours and ensure your pay meets the statutory minimum. For more information on minimum wage rates and how they apply to different jobs, visit our topics page.