Assumptions and pay data
- Burgundy Book para 8.3: the 4 full-pay weeks and 2 weeks at nine-tenths include SMP; the 12 half-pay weeks are paid with SMP on top, up to full pay, on condition that you return for at least 13 weeks.
- It covers teachers in maintained schools. Academies can set their own terms, so check your contract.
- The Burgundy Book has no paternity pay; partners get Statutory Paternity Pay unless the school or council policy pays more.
- Pound figures use the pay shown and 2026/27 SMP of £194.32 a week; they are gross, before tax and pension.
Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Calculator
EnglandMaintained schools / STPCD or NJC support staffFramework from 1/9/2026
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Guide for Classroom Teacher
This guide summarises enhanced maternity and paternity pay that typically applies to Classroom Teacher under School Teachers' Pay (England) at Schools. Eligibility and exact terms depend on your contract and length of service.
Family leave for Classroom Teacher
As Classroom Teacher at Schools, enhanced maternity and paternity usually follow School Teachers. Typical enhanced maternity includes 4 weeks at full pay, 2 weeks at 90% of pay, 12 weeks at half pay. Common pattern: 4 weeks full pay, 2 weeks at 90%, 12 weeks at half pay plus SMP (up to full pay), then SMP. The government has announced 8 weeks full pay for teachers and leaders from 2027/28 (government-funded, not yet in force). School holidays can affect when leave is taken. Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) and Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) are legal minimums; occupational schemes may top up or run alongside them. These terms have no enhanced paternity pay, so SPP applies unless your employer offers more.
Eligibility and service
Enhanced schemes often require continuous service (commonly 12 months at the qualifying week). Return-to-work conditions and Keeping in Touch (KIT) days vary. Always read your contract and HR policy.
Shared parental leave
Shared parental leave and pay have separate rules. This page focuses on maternity and paternity; ask your employer about SPL if you plan to share leave.
Typical entitlement for Classroom Teacher
Summary based on School Teachers terms. Your contract may differ.
Maternity (enhanced)
4 weeks full pay, then 2 weeks at 90%, then 12 weeks half pay. Then Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) or Maternity Allowance where eligible, up to 52 weeks total leave.
Common pattern: 4 weeks full pay, 2 weeks at 90%, 12 weeks at half pay plus SMP (up to full pay), then SMP. The government has announced 8 weeks full pay for teachers and leaders from 2027/28 (government-funded, not yet in force). School holidays can affect when leave is taken.
Paternity (enhanced)
Check employer policy.
The Burgundy Book (national teachers' conditions) has no paternity pay scheme, so the legal minimum applies: Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP). Some schools and councils pay more, so check your school's policy.
STPCD / Burgundy Book; academies often follow. Policies vary. Check school.
Statutory minimums are set in law (SMP, SPP). Enhanced pay is what your employer offers on top of or instead of part of the statutory amount, depending on scheme rules.
Frequently asked questions
How much maternity pay would that be?
On £34,068 (the first point of the Main Pay Range (M1–M6)), a week's pay is about £655. Weeks 1 to 4 pay full pay, about £655 a week (£2,621); weeks 5 to 6 pay nine-tenths of pay, about £590 a week (£1,179); weeks 7 to 18 pay half pay plus SMP, about £522 a week (£6,263); weeks 19 to 39 pay SMP, about £194 a week (£4,081). That is about £14,143 over 39 weeks before tax, against £9,950 from SMP alone.
What changes in 2027/28?
The government has announced that full maternity pay for school teachers and leaders will double from 4 to 8 weeks from 2027/28, funded nationally (written answer, 23/3/2026). It is not in force yet, so this page shows today's 4 weeks.
What if I have less than a year's service?
You get the legal minimum instead. SMP needs 26 weeks with your employer by the 15th week before the baby is due and average earnings of at least £129 a week; without it you may get Maternity Allowance instead (GOV.UK).
Do I have to go back to work?
The 12 half-pay weeks depend on returning for at least 13 weeks. If you do not, you may have to pay that part back.
What do partners get?
The Burgundy Book has no paternity pay, so partners get the statutory minimum unless their school or council policy pays more. Statutory Paternity Pay is £194.32 a week, or 90% of average earnings if lower, for up to 2 weeks, after 26 weeks with the employer; the leave itself is a right from day one (GOV.UK).
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About this role
What is a Classroom Teacher?
A Classroom Teacher in England is a qualified teacher (QTS) who plans and delivers lessons, assesses pupils and supports their progress. They work in maintained schools, academies or free schools, usually on the Main or Upper Pay Range (STPCD).
Typical demands, progression and balance
If you enjoy being with pupils and helping them learn, most terms bring variety and moments that feel worthwhile. How busy it is, and how your pay looks, will still depend on your school, subject and the age groups you teach. Some teachers later take on a TLR, lead practitioner work or a route towards senior leadership; others are very happy to stay in the classroom, and that is a valued path too.
What enhanced maternity or paternity pay do I get?
Many public sector employers offer enhanced pay on top of statutory maternity or paternity pay. Use the calculator above to see typical entitlement for your sector. Check your employer and contract for exact terms.
Disclaimer
Illustrative estimates, not legal or HR advice. Your contract and your employer's policy decide your actual entitlement.