New research from the Teacher Training Agency (TTA) found that almost half of Britons (47 per cent) believe that newly qualified teachers start on less than £16,000. The reality is a healthy £18,558 per annum in England or £22,059 in inner London, which compares favourably with other professions (a recent survey found that the average graduate starting salary with a leading employer is £22,000*).

Head teachers also earn more than the majority (82 per cent) think. Only 13 per cent correctly estimated that a head teacher’s earnings can exceed £60,000. Actual salaries for head teachers in secondary schools start at £62,547 (£68,637 in inner London) and rise to at least £90,360 in the largest schools.

More than a third (36 per cent) of people were pleasantly surprised by a newly qualified teacher’s earning potential, with nearly three quarters (71 per cent) stating that a head teacher’s salary prospects had taken them by surprise.

Since discovering teachers’ true earning power 63 per cent of those questioned said they believe teachers receive a good salary and 61 per cent think that the pay reflects their professional status. As a result, more than one in ten Britons (13 per cent) said they would now consider entering the teaching profession.

Mike Watkins, Head of Teacher Supply and Recruitment for the Teacher Training Agency, said: "This research proves that many people underestimate how much teachers are paid.  We know that there are two reasons why people enter teaching: the stimulation and enjoyment of working with young people and the more tangible benefits such as the pay and pension. We hope that many more people, particularly those with languages, maths and science skills, will consider teaching as a career when they realise that the starting pay is comparable to other graduate professions."

Notes for Editors

The research was carried out by BMRB International (February 2005) and is based on a sample of 1003 adults aged 16+ in the UK.

*The Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR) carries out a graduate recruitment survey twice yearly with the findings based on results from a survey of some of the UK’s leading graduate employers. These findings are based on the AGR Graduate Recruitment Survey 2005 – Winter Review as released on 10 February 2005. Statement from the AGR: ‘AGR employers are expecting to pay new graduates a median starting salary of £22,000 in 2005.’ - statistic refers to the UK.

A newly qualified teacher (NQT) in England can expect to start on a salary of at least £18,558 (£22,059 in innerL ondon). The pay scale for good, experienced classroom teachers who have crossed the threshold - which offers effective teachers the opportunity to gain a pay increase on submission of a successful application - rises to £29,385 outside London and £34,851 in inner London. Additional allowances may be paid to teachers considered to be excellent, and to those who take on management and other responsibilities. The pay scale for head teachers can rise to over £90,000 depending on size of school.

The government proposes that science and maths Advanced Skills Teachers (ASTs) will be paid a minimum of £40,000 outside London and £45,000 in London.

Eligible trainees on postgraduate initial teacher training courses in England are entitled to a tax-free training bursary worth £6-7,000.

Newly Qualified Teachers (NQTs) with a PGCE in a priority subject (mathematics, science, modern languages, English or drama, design and technology, and Information and Communications Technology) also may be eligible for a "golden hello" payment worth £4-5,000 after successfully completing their induction period. Details are available on the TTA website at www.tta.gov.uk/funding

The Graduate Teacher Programme enables people to train to become a teacher while employed in a school. Details of employment-based routes can be viewed at www.tta.gov.uk/ebr

Data collected by TTA shows that over 41,000 people will begin teacher training this academic year (2004/5), the highest number since 1975.

Since the launch of the campaign, 'Use your head. Teach', an average 117 candidates eligible to begin teacher training register their interest in becoming a teacher every day - up 9% on the previous year.

For more information about how to become a teacher, see the TTA website. Personal advice is available from the Teaching Information Line on 0845 6000 991 – 992 for Welsh speakers (minicom 01245 45 43 43).

Applications for most postgraduate Initial Teacher Training courses are processed through the Graduate Teacher Training Registry and can be submitted online at their website. Applications for undergraduate teacher training courses can be made via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service's website.

The Teacher Training Agency was established under the Education Act 1994. Its purpose is to raise standards by attracting able and committed people to teaching, and by improving the quality of training for teachers and the wider school workforce.