Teacher 3.5% Pay Rise 2026: What Will You Actually Take Home?
The Government has accepted a 3.5% increase to teacher and leader pay and allowance ranges from September 2026, except for the bottom point of the unqualified teacher range, which has a 5% uplift. The statutory process is still being completed, so the pay points below are current proposed/advisory 2026/27 reference points rather than final statutory figures.
Want the after-tax figure?
Model a 3.5% rise with Income Tax, National Insurance, student loan and salary-sacrifice pension assumptions.
Proposed teacher pay scales from September 2026
These current advisory reference points cover Rest of England, London Fringe, Outer London and Inner London. Click a salary to open it in the Netly Pay Salary Calculator.
| Point | England | Fringe | Outer London | Inner London |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M1 | £34,069 Take-home → | £35,602 Take-home → | £39,196 Take-home → | £41,729 Take-home → |
| M2 | £36,042 Take-home → | £37,647 Take-home → | £41,246 Take-home → | £43,713 Take-home → |
| M3 | £38,400 Take-home → | £39,979 Take-home → | £43,403 Take-home → | £45,787 Take-home → |
| M4 | £40,941 Take-home → | £42,513 Take-home → | £45,673 Take-home → | £47,961 Take-home → |
| M5 | £43,529 Take-home → | £45,070 Take-home → | £48,438 Take-home → | £50,666 Take-home → |
| M6 | £46,940 Take-home → | £48,479 Take-home → | £52,241 Take-home → | £54,131 Take-home → |
| U1 | £49,134 Take-home → | £50,625 Take-home → | £54,047 Take-home → | £59,650 Take-home → |
| U2 | £50,956 Take-home → | £52,442 Take-home → | £56,047 Take-home → | £62,581 Take-home → |
| U3 | £52,835 Take-home → | £54,328 Take-home → | £58,120 Take-home → | £64,684 Take-home → |
Source basis: LGA pay reference circular, 10 August 2026. Values remain proposed/advisory while the 2026 School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document completes consultation and the legislative process.
When does the 3.5% teacher pay rise start?
Department for Education guidance says the award is intended to apply from 1 September 2026. A teacher may start receiving the new salary later, with the increase backdated where applicable.
Is the 3.5% teacher pay rise final?
The Government has accepted the School Teachers' Review Body recommendation. However, as of 27 August 2026 the updated School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document is still going through consultation and the statutory process. The LGA currently expects the final updated document around November 2026, with a 1 September implementation date.
Does it apply to academies?
Department for Education guidance says academies may choose to follow the pay award. Its teacher-pay calculator applies to school teachers and leaders in England and does not apply to further education or early-years settings in the same way.
How much extra will I actually receive each month?
A 3.5% gross increase does not normally mean 3.5% more money reaches your bank. Extra earnings can change Income Tax, employee National Insurance and student-loan deductions, while pension arrangements can also affect take-home pay.
For example, the proposed Rest of England M4 reference point is £40,941. Use the calculator for your circumstances rather than treating a generic example as a payslip forecast.
What about September 2027?
The Government has also accepted a further 3% increase from September 2027. This page stays focused on the 2026/27 award while the 2026 statutory process is still underway.
Sources and accuracy
This page is based on Department for Education July 2026 guidance and the LGA August 2026 pay reference circular. Netly Pay is independent and is not affiliated with either organisation.
Take-home figures are estimates. See our 2026/27 calculation basis and limitations.