Schools

Explore pay and career calculators for Schools. Pick your role below to see pay progression, promotion timing, part-time impact, allowances, career breaks and take-home pay.

All figures are illustrative. Use your contract, payslip or employer for definitive amounts.

Pay and leave framework

  • Teachers: School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions (STPCD) — official guidance
  • Support staff: Often NJC or local authority terms
  • Leave: Teachers take leave in school holidays; support staff use NJC-style annual leave
  • Local variation: Academies and trusts may differ — check your contract

View all sources.

Roles

Choose a role to see pay progression, promotion timing, part-time impact, allowances, career breaks and take-home pay for that job.

Assistant Head Classroom Teacher Cover Supervisor Deputy Head ECT Head of Department Headteacher Higher Level Teaching Assistant Nursery Practitioner School Business Manager SEND Teacher Teaching Assistant UPS Teacher

About Schools

What are schools in the public sector?

State-funded schools in the UK (maintained schools, academies and similar) employ teachers and support staff on national or agreed pay arrangements. Teachers are typically on the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions framework; support staff often follow NJC conditions.

Is it a rewarding career?

Many people find teaching and school support hugely rewarding. You’re helping young people learn and grow. Pay is structured and there are clear progression routes. Term time and holidays can suit some people; others find the workload and pressure challenging.

What kind of work do you do?

You might be a classroom teacher, teaching assistant, cover supervisor, or in leadership. Support roles include admin, finance, site and pastoral work. Part time and job share are common. Exact terms depend on your school and contract.