Assumptions and pay data
Pay data: School Teachers' Pay (England). Leadership (L1–L43, rest of England): our estimate of £53,585 to £148,829, provisional rates from 1/9/2026. Checked 9/10/2026.
- How we model progression: Many UK public sector pay scales use spine points (fixed salary steps within a band). Where the dataset has spine points, we assume you move up one point every X years (e.g. every 2 years). Where there are no spine points, we use an annual increment until you reach the band maximum. Real rules (time in grade, performance, etc.) vary by employer and contract.
- Years in role (starting point): This is how many years you have already been in this band. It sets where you start on the scale for the projection (e.g. 0 = bottom of the band (year one), 4 = four years in (you may already be at a higher spine point)). Change it to match your situation.
- All outputs are gross. We don't deduct UK tax, National Insurance or pension.
- Allowances and eligibility vary by UK employer.
Progression is shown using the pay structure for your sector (spine points or annual increments). Rules and rates vary by employer, so treat this as an illustrative guide only.
Pay Progression Calculator
EnglandMaintained schools / STPCD or NJC support staffFramework from 1/9/2026
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Guide for Assistant Head
This guide explains how pay progression typically works for Assistant Head at Schools on Leadership (L1–L43, rest of England) under School Teachers' Pay (England). Use the calculator on this page for illustrative figures; confirm spine points and progression dates with your employer.
Pay progression for Assistant Head
As Assistant Head at Schools, pay is usually set under School Teachers' Pay (England). Our dataset typically maps this role to Leadership (L1–L43, rest of England); your actual grade may differ. Qualified teachers use STPCD Main and Upper Pay Ranges; support staff in schools are often on NJC spinal column points through the local authority or academy.
Typical progression for Assistant Head
Leadership spine: L1–L18+. Use the calculator on this page to see how pay changes over time on the teachers’ leadership pay spine.
What to enter in the calculator
Choose your current band or grade, then set how many years you have already been on that band. That sets your starting point on the scale. Select how many years ahead you want to project. The tool shows year-by-year gross pay and total earnings over the period.
What this does not include
The projection uses base band pay only. It does not add allowances (London weighting, unsocial hours, TLR, HCAS), overtime, or non-consolidated awards. Tax, National Insurance and pension are not deducted: all figures are gross.
Example scenario
Illustrative example at bottom of band (matches calculator defaults)
| Band / grade | Leadership (L1–L43, rest of England) |
|---|---|
| Years already in band | 0 |
| Gross pay now (example) | £53,585 |
| Gross pay after 5 years (example) | £69,459 |
| Projection period | 5 years |
Frequently asked questions
What does this Assistant Head pay progression calculator do?
It projects gross annual pay over a number of years for Schools Assistant Head using typical pay ranges (e.g. Main/Upper Pay Range or support staff NJC). It's illustrative; schools set their own pay policies within the national framework.
How does pay progression work in schools for Assistant Head?
Teachers are paid under the School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD): Main and Upper Pay Ranges with progression at annual pay determination (from 1 September). Support staff are usually on NJC terms with spine point progression. Progression should generally be awarded unless you're in capability proceedings or (in PRP schools) there are performance reasons. Check your school's pay policy and the NEU or gov.uk.
Are these school pay figures official?
No. Our figures are illustrative. Official teacher minima and maxima are in the STPCD; support staff use NJC scales. Your school's pay policy and governing body decide actual points. Check gov.uk school teachers pay, your school, or the NEU for current rates.
What is the difference between Main Pay Range and Upper Pay Range?
Main Pay Range (MPR) is typically for classroom teachers; Upper Pay Range (UPR) is for teachers who have passed the threshold. UPR has a higher minimum and maximum. Support staff (e.g. teaching assistants, business managers) are on NJC spinal column points. Our calculator lets you choose the band that fits your role.
Do I have to meet performance targets to progress?
From 2024/25, the STPCD no longer requires appraisal objectives to drive performance-related pay outcomes, but schools can still use performance-related progression. Progression can only be withheld in capability proceedings or for performance reasons where the school has retained PRP. Your school must tell you in writing within one month of the pay determination.
Are the results gross or net? Do you store my data?
All figures are gross (before tax, National Insurance and pension). Your calculator inputs and results stay in your browser and are not stored. We only collect your name and email if you choose to give them, for example to download your results or sign up for email updates. We store them with MailerLite, our email provider, along with the page you were on. See our privacy policy.
Why does my range show no progression?
If you're at the top of your range, there's no further in-range progression; only national pay awards or moving to a higher role. The calculator shows this as a flat line. Use the Career Decisions calculator to compare promotion timing.
Where can I get official school pay and progression information?
Gov.uk School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD), your school's pay policy, and the National Education Union (NEU). Support staff: NJC and your employer.
What about pay portability when I change schools?
Statutory pay portability was removed for teachers. A new school can set your pay at any point within the range. Our calculator doesn't model moves between schools. Use it for progression in your current role.
How often is the pay data updated?
We update datasets periodically. The STPCD and NJC are updated annually. Treat our numbers as illustrative and confirm with your school or the NEU.
About this role
What is an Assistant Head?
An Assistant Head is part of the senior leadership team, with responsibility for an area (e.g. curriculum, pastoral). Pay is on the leadership spine (STPCD).
Typical demands, progression and balance
Assistant head roles offer school-wide impact. Pay and satisfaction depend on school and remit. Progression to deputy head or head is common.
Are there progression routes?
Leadership spine: L1–L18+. Use the table above to see how pay changes over time on the teachers’ leadership pay spine.
Disclaimer
Illustrative estimates, not financial or career advice. Your payslip and contract decide what you are actually paid.