There were over 31,000 new entrants to Initial Teacher Training (ITT) in England in the training year 2021/22. Are you thinking of being one of joining the 2022/23 intake?
If you’ve always thought that teaching could be the profession for you, now could be the time to take the plunge. But along with researching the courses and checking you have the right qualifications, you’ll want to know what salary you could earn and other benefits that are available.
Read on to find out what you could earn as a teacher.
How much do teachers get paid?
Unlike other professions where salaries tend to be withheld from candidates, the pay scales for teachers are common knowledge and openly available. This makes it easier for those thinking of going into the profession to know what to expect to be paid when they qualify.
According to the latest government information, when you become a newly qualified teacher (NQT): “…your salary will be between £25,714 and £32,157, depending on where you teach. The school you teach in will have their own pay scales for qualified teachers. Pay increases will always be linked to performance, not length of service.”
If you’re considering teaching in Scotland, the system works slightly differently. The equivalent of an NQT here is known as a probationer. This term refers to the probationary contract that the teacher is employed on. Probationer’s salary is currently £27,498. If you’re in Northern Ireland, the minimum salary is £24,137.
Should you decide to teach at an independent – or private – school after qualifying, the amount you could earn depends on the school’s own pay scales. However, while there are reports of high-earning staff at these schools, the typical starting salary for a newly qualified teacher at a private school is around £32,000.
As with other professions, the amount you earn as a teacher increases in line with the amount of responsibility you take on and promotions you receive.
What benefits are available?
Now that you know what you can expect to earn in terms of salary, it’s worth noting that you’re eligible for different benefits, too. One of the main perks is the pension, which is based on the teacher’s salary rather than how much that’s paid in. This makes it more desirable than pensions received by those working in the private sector.
It’s worth mentioning the holidays, too. There are typically three week-long half term holidays, six weeks off during the summer, and two weeks at Christmas and Easter, taking the average total to 13 weeks. These are a real perk and also essential downtime for educators.
Additionally, as with NHS workers and military personnel, teachers benefits often include discounts on key services. These can apply anywhere from coffee shops and car garages to supermarkets and hotels.
As you weigh up the pros and cons of moving into teaching, it’s worth keeping these details in mind. Does this starting salary suit you? Are the benefits available ideal for your circumstances?