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.
- Both paths use today's pay scales, with no pay awards, and count gross pay only.
- The calculator starts you at the first point of the new band.
- Each year in the comparison moves you a step up our estimated Leadership (L1–L43, rest of England) steps before pay is worked out, so the “promoted later” path is paid £56,759 in its first year; real progression is set by your school's pay policy.
Promotion Timing Impact Calculator
EnglandMaintained schools / STPCD or NJC support staffFramework from 1/9/2026
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Guide for Deputy Head
This guide helps Deputy Head at Schools compare promotion timing scenarios from Leadership (L1–L43, rest of England). The calculator shows gross earnings only; promotion still depends on vacancies, funding and employer policy.
Why promotion timing matters for Deputy Head
Moving to a higher band or grade earlier means more years at the higher rate. Over five or ten years the cumulative difference can be substantial, even when the step from Leadership (L1–L43, rest of England) to the next band looks modest year to year. This tool compares gross earnings under two promotion timings using illustrative pay from School Teachers' Pay (England).
Typical progression for Deputy Head
Deputy head (L8–L18+) → headteacher. Use the calculator on this page to model pay on the leadership spine.
What to compare in the calculator
Set your current band (Leadership (L1–L43, rest of England)), years already in band, and how far ahead to project. Choose when the first promotion happens in each scenario and the target band after promotion. Optionally add a second promotion step for longer career routes.
Real world factors
Promotion depends on vacancies, performance, funding and policy. The calculator does not model competition for posts or time to complete training. Use it for financial comparison alongside career planning conversations with your line manager or union.
Example scenario
Example: Leadership (L1–L43, rest of England) at £53,585, compared over 10 years. Leadership (L1–L43, rest of England) is the highest band in our data, so there is no higher band to compare.
| Current band (example) | Leadership (L1–L43, rest of England) |
|---|---|
| Gross now (example) | £53,585 |
| Compare over | 10 years |
| Scenarios | Promote now vs promote in 3 years |
Frequently asked questions
Is there a band above Leadership (L1–L43, rest of England)?
Not in our data. Leadership (L1–L43, rest of England) is the highest-paid band we hold for this sector, so the calculator has nothing above it to compare. If you are moving to a role paid on another scale, compare the two salaries directly.
Are the results gross or net? Do you store my data?
Unless this page says otherwise, 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.
About this role
What is a Deputy Head?
A Deputy Head supports the headteacher in leading the school and often deputises in their absence. Pay is on the leadership spine (STPCD).
Typical demands, progression and balance
Deputy head roles offer significant leadership and variety. Pay and satisfaction depend on school size and remit. Progression to headteacher is common.
How does promotion timing affect pay?
This calculator compares different promotion scenarios. Use the results above to see how when you're promoted affects total earnings over your career.
Disclaimer
Illustrative estimates, not financial or career advice. Your payslip and contract decide what you are actually paid.