Teacher Jobs UK
Every UK teaching role from ECT to headteacher — with pay scale breakdowns, shortage subject demand, state vs independent salaries, and what actually gets you hired in 2026.
Teaching roles in the UK — salaries and demand
Salary figures are 2026 UK market rates. State school figures based on STRB pay recommendations outside London.
| Role | Salary | Demand | Remote? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newly Qualified Teacher (ECT) | £31–38k | Very High | On-site |
| Main Pay Scale Teacher (MPS) | £31–45k | Very High | On-site |
| Upper Pay Scale Teacher (UPS) | £46–53k | High | On-site |
| Head of Department / Subject Lead | £45–58k | High | On-site |
| Assistant / Deputy Headteacher | £55–80k | Medium | On-site |
| Headteacher / Principal | £70–130k+ | Medium | On-site |
| SENCO / SEN Teacher | £35–58k | Very High | On-site |
| Supply Teacher | £130–200/day | Very High | On-site |
| Further Education (FE) Lecturer | £28–45k | High | ✓ Yes |
| Tutor / Online Teacher | £25–60/hr | High | ✓ Yes |
What each teaching role actually involves
Newly Qualified Teacher (ECT)
First two years (ECF induction). QTS required. Core subjects in highest demand.
Main Pay Scale Teacher (MPS)
MPS 1–6. Classroom teaching, marking, planning. Progress via performance management.
Upper Pay Scale Teacher (UPS)
UPS 1–3. Awarded on application — must demonstrate sustained excellent performance.
Head of Department / Subject Lead
TLR allowance on top of spine point. Curriculum leadership, team management, results accountability.
Assistant / Deputy Headteacher
Leadership Group pay. School-wide responsibility. NPQSL or NPQH desirable.
Headteacher / Principal
Leadership pay range. Size and complexity of school determines range. NPQH standard.
SENCO / SEN Teacher
SENCO must hold or be working towards NASENCo award. Chronic shortage nationally.
Supply Teacher
Day and long-term supply. Agency-based. QTS required. Fastest way back into teaching.
Further Education (FE) Lecturer
College-based. No QTS required — industry experience valued. More autonomy than schools.
Tutor / Online Teacher
Private tuition or online platforms. Fully flexible. No formal contract. QTS not always required.
Which sectors pay teachers the most in the UK
| Sector | Demand | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| State Schools (LA / Academy) | Highest | Biggest employer. National Pay Scales (STRB). Teachers Pension Scheme (23.68% employer contribution). |
| Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) | Very High | Can pay above national scales. Career mobility within trust. Increasing share of state school market. |
| Independent / Private Schools | High | No obligation to follow national scales — often pay 15–25% more. No QTS legally required. Longer terms. |
| Further Education Colleges | High | Different pay framework (College Lecturers). More autonomy. Industry experience valued over QTS. |
| International Schools | High | Tax-free in Middle East and Asia. Accommodation and flights often included. High-earning pathway. |
| Online / EdTech | Medium | Fully remote teaching roles. Tutoring platforms, curriculum writers, online school teachers. Growing sector. |
How to get more callbacks in teaching job applications
Shortage subjects command bursaries and direct offers
Maths, physics, chemistry, computing, and languages have critical shortages. Trainees in these subjects receive bursaries up to £28,000. Qualified teachers in shortage subjects can often negotiate above-scale pay or relocation packages.
QTS is your non-negotiable for state schools
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is required for state-maintained schools in England. Get it via PGCE, School Direct, Teach First, or Assessment Only if you have experience. Without it, you're limited to independent, FE, and tutoring roles.
TLR allowances are often more negotiable than spine points
Your position on the Main Pay Scale is set by the school. But TLR (Teaching and Learning Responsibility) allowances for pastoral or subject lead roles can vary — and are worth £3–8k on top. Ask specifically about TLR scope when applying.
Apply in October–January for September starts
The majority of teaching jobs are advertised October–March for September start. Schools close their shortlists faster than other sectors. Running a broad, multi-school search with Autoply in this window maximises your options before the best roles fill.
The teaching job market in the UK — 2026
Teacher recruitment remains one of the most persistent challenges in UK public services. The Department for Education has missed secondary teacher recruitment targets in shortage subjects for six consecutive years. Maths, physics, computing, and languages face the most acute shortages — schools in these subjects routinely advertise positions multiple times before filling them.
The 2026 market has seen modest pay increases following the STRB review, but retention remains a significant issue. Around 40,000 qualified teachers leave the profession each year. This churn creates consistent demand for both newly qualified teachers and experienced practitioners returning from career breaks or supply roles.
Pay scales for teachers in England — 2026
State school teacher pay in England is set by the School Teachers' Review Body (STRB). The Main Pay Scale (MPS) runs from £31,650 (M1, outside London) to £43,607 (M6). The Upper Pay Scale (UPS) runs from £45,646 to £49,084. The Inner London ranges add approximately £6,000–£9,000 on top. Academy trusts and independent schools may set their own scales — often above the national framework to attract candidates in competitive markets.
QTS and routes into teaching
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is the standard qualification for teaching in state-maintained schools in England. Routes include PGCE (university-based, 1 year), School Direct (school-based, salaried or fee-paying), Teach First (2-year leadership programme), and Assessment Only (for experienced unqualified teachers). From 2024, QTS can also be awarded to international teachers with equivalent qualifications from certain countries without further assessment.
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