Great news for educators across England – the Department for Education has accepted a proposed leadership and teacher pay rise! But what does that mean for you?
The fully funded pay rise comes as part of a wider funding increase to the education sector, which was announced by the new Labour government on Tuesday 30th July 2024.
The funding package totals almost £1.2 billion and is based on recommendations from the School Teachers’ Review Body. Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced in Parliament that she accepted the body’s recommendations “in full”.
So, let’s talk about what that means for educators, support staff, and school leaders like you:
- What is the pay rise for teachers?
- What is the pay rise for education leaders?
- Will school support staff get a pay rise?
- Why are educators getting a pay rise?
- What does the teacher pay rise mean for school leaders?
What is the pay rise for teachers?
Starting in September, teachers at all pay grades in England will receive a 5.5% pay rise. This pay increase is above current inflation, which is 2% at the time of writing.
Teachers will start receiving their new salary in the autumn, and it will be backdated to 1st September.
The new measures mean that teacher salaries will start at a minimum of £31,560, and overall pay packets for the year will increase by more than £2,500 for the average teacher.
The pay scales vary depending on whether you’re inside, around, or outside of London. Here’s an overview of the different main teacher pay scales:
- England, outside London: £31,650 – £43,606
- Inner London: £38,766 – £50,288
- Outer London: £36,412 – £48,531
- London fringe: £33,074 – 45,037
And the upper teacher pay scales:
- England, outside London: £45,646 – £49,084
- Inner London: £55,415 – £60,092
- Outer London: £50,210 – £53,994
- London fringe: £47,031 – £50,470
What is the pay rise for education leaders?
Education leaders will also be getting a fully-funded pay rise of 5.5%. This too will come into effect in autumn to coincide with the upcoming teacher pay rise, and will be backdated to 1st September.
Here’s an overview of the newly-announced education leader pay scales:
- England, outside London: £49,780 – £138,264
- Inner London: £51,151 – £139,631
- Outer London: £53,730 – £142,177
- London fringe: £59,186 – £147,585
And the pay scales for headteachers:
- England, outside London: £56,316 – £138,264
- Inner London: £65,730 – £147,585
- Outer London: £60,266 – 78,840
- London fringe: £57,693 – £139,631
For a more in-depth breakdown of the new teacher and education leader pay scales, head to the TES website.
Will school support staff get a pay rise in 2024?
Salary negotiations for teaching assistants and other education support staff are still ongoing.
Support staff were offered a pay increase of 5.77% for the lowest-paid workers, which the Unison, GMB and Unite unions say “falls short” of what’s needed. This is a lower pay offer for support staff than those which were accepted in the previous two academic years.
Unions are seeking a pay increase for education support staff of either £3,000 or 10% – whichever is higher.
Hopefully, we’ll have an answer about school support staff pay in the near future. We’ll keep you updated once we do!
Why are educators getting a pay rise?
Education leaders and teachers are getting a pay rise to “reflect the vital contribution they make to children’s life chances”.
The UK government has also referred to this recent investment as “an important step on the path towards [its] pledge to recruit 6,500 new teachers”.
With turnover and attrition at a high in schools across the country, this move is also likely to have a positive impact on leader and teacher retention.
It will certainly help with educators’ wellbeing and work-life balance – both of which have been massively impacted by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
All in all, this is looking like a big move in the mission to make careers in education as attractive as possible. Hopefully, this will help to keep passionate, purpose-driven professionals in schools.
What does the teacher pay rise mean for school leaders?
It’s good news all round for school leaders!
As well as being fully funded by the government, the teacher pay rise is also sure to encourage more inspiring talent to get into teaching. Plus, educators already in the sector will be more likely to stick around if they feel they’re being properly compensated for their work.
That means less talent shortage troubles and more incredible educators making an impact on your pupils.
But, in the meantime…
Are you looking for incredible leaders, educators or support staff to start at your school in the new academic year?
We’d love to chat! Drop Greg Bookman a message today or get in touch below:
Call us: 0333 360 1100
Email us: info@mlk-search.co.uk
