Career prospects

Teachers at the top of the main pay scale (typically after six years of teaching) can have their work assessed against national standards in order to move to the upper pay scale. Salaries are in the range £32,660–35,121 (£39,114–42,419 in inner London). Taking on an additional teaching and learning responsibility or teaching pupils with special educational needs yields a further substantial payment.

Career development

There are many opportunities for career development. School leaders (headteachers, deputy and assistant headteachers) earn excellent salaries that are linked to the size and profile of the school. A new headteacher of a small primary school might earn £40,494 (£47,265 in inner London) and the experienced headteacher of a large secondary school with sixth form could earn £100,424 (£107,192 in inner London).

Some experienced teachers pursue wider roles outside the school such as local education authority adviser, educational psychologist or moderator for an examinations board.

For those who wish to remain in the classroom while developing their careers, the role of advanced skills teacher is ideal. These are highly skilled practitioners who spend some of their time sharing their expertise with other teachers or trainees and earn £35,794–54,417 (£42,559–61,188 in inner London).

Initial and early salaries information can be found in the Get into teaching section under Pay and benefits. Salary scales are also detailed.

* All salaries are quoted at September 2008 rates.

Career prospects

Career development

See also