Teaching Jobs UK
Every UK teaching role, from Teaching Assistant to Headteacher — with salary, QTS requirements, sector breakdown, and how to land teaching jobs faster. Plus supply, private tutoring, and international options.
Teaching roles in the UK — salaries and demand
Salary figures are 2026 UK market rates. Remote = online tutoring or remote teaching options available.
| Role | Salary | Demand | Remote? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Teacher | £30–46k | Very High | School-based |
| Secondary Teacher | £30–47k | Very High | School-based |
| SEN Teacher / SENCO | £32–55k | Very High | School-based |
| Teaching Assistant (TA) | £18–24k | Very High | School-based |
| Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) | £24–30k | High | School-based |
| Early Years Educator (EYFS) | £18–26k | Very High | School-based |
| Deputy Headteacher | £50–80k | Medium | School-based |
| Headteacher | £55–125k | Medium | School-based |
| Supply Teacher | £130–200/day | Very High | School-based |
| Private Tutor | £25–70/hr | Very High | ✓ Yes |
What each teaching role actually involves
Primary Teacher
QTS + PGCE or School Direct. KS1/KS2. NQT/ECT induction year.
Secondary Teacher
Subject specialism + QTS. KS3/KS4/KS5. STEM subjects highest demand.
SEN Teacher / SENCO
SEND expertise. EHCP writing, adapted curriculum. National SENCO Award for coordinators.
Teaching Assistant (TA)
No formal qualification required. Level 3 Teaching Assistant diploma improves prospects.
Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)
HLTA status assessment. Can cover classes. Bridge between TA and teacher.
Early Years Educator (EYFS)
Level 3 childcare or Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS). Nursery and Reception.
Deputy Headteacher
10+ years. NPQSL (Senior Leadership) common. SLT responsibilities.
Headteacher
NPQH required by many trusts. Highly variable by school phase and size.
Supply Teacher
Via agencies: Tradewind, Hays, Protocol, Timeplan. No guaranteed work.
Private Tutor
Self-employed. Maths, English, Sciences highest demand. DBS required.
Which sectors are hiring in UK teaching
| Sector | Demand | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| State Primary / Secondary | High | Large volume — 24,000 schools. MPS/UPS pay scales. Pension (TPS) excellent. |
| Academies / Multi-Academy Trusts | High | Growing — own pay scales, can pay more. OFSTED-scrutinised. |
| Independent / Private Schools | High | Higher salaries but no TPS. IAPS, HMC, GSA members. |
| Special Educational Needs (SEN) / SEMH | Very High | Chronic shortage. Higher pay bands, behaviour management essential. |
| International Schools | High | Growing — Middle East, Asia, Europe. QTS essential. 2x UK salary in UAE. |
How to get teaching jobs faster in 2026
QTS is the gatekeeper
Without QTS (Qualified Teacher Status), you can teach in academies and free schools but not maintained schools. Get it via PGCE, School Direct, Teach First, or the new ECF.
Subject shortage = extra pay
Physics, Maths, Modern Languages, Computer Science, Chemistry teachers can access £5–27k bursaries for initial teacher training. Use this to eliminate student debt during PGCE.
Supply keeps you earning between perm roles
Register with 2–3 supply agencies in your area the moment you qualify. Daily rate £130–200 while you wait for the right perm contract.
Apply early in the cycle
Most secondary teaching jobs go live January–April for September starts. Autoply monitors job boards daily and applies the same night a role is posted — critical when good schools fill fast.
The teaching job market in the UK — 2026
Teaching remains one of the largest employment sectors in the UK, with over 500,000 teachers employed across state and independent schools. The market is characterised by chronic shortages in key subjects — particularly STEM, Modern Languages, and SEN — and consistent high demand for TAs and Early Years staff.
Pay scales vary significantly by school type. Maintained schools follow the national MPS/UPS scale, providing predictable progression and the excellent Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS). Academies and MATs set their own pay scales — some pay above national rates, others below. Independent schools often pay more but lack TPS access, which is a significant long-term trade-off.
QTS routes in 2026
The traditional PGCE (university-led, 1 year postgraduate) remains the most common route. School Direct lets you train in school from day one. Teach First is competitive and targets top graduates for challenging schools. The new Early Career Framework (ECF) provides structured induction support for all new teachers regardless of route.
For those without a degree, apprenticeship routes now exist into Early Years and Teaching Assistant roles, making the profession more accessible than ever.
Apply to teaching jobs tonight
Good schools fill fast. Autoply monitors teaching job boards daily and applies overnight so you never miss an early posting.
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