ECT Career Break Calculator

Taking time out? This tool helps an ECT see the estimated impact of a career break: what you might not earn during the break and what re-entry pay could look like. Useful for planning parental leave, a sabbatical, or a step back.

Assumptions and pay data

Pay data: School Teachers' Pay (England). Main (M1–M6) and Upper (U1–U3) are statutory rest-of-England points from STPCD 2025/26. Leading Practitioner uses published min–max; spine points are evenly spaced within that range (schools may set different points inside the range). Leadership uses statutory L1 minimum and L43 maximum; intermediate points are linearly interpolated for the calculator (actual L2–L42 are in STPCD). Allowances: London uplifts auto-switch by band (M1 / U1 / L1 / LP min vs zonal STPCD 2025/26); TLR and SEN as statutory ranges (see _meta.allowancesFootnote). Support: NJC SCP 5–12; STPCD zonal uplifts do not apply. Schools may use other SCP ranges.

Figures are illustrative and may not reflect the latest pay awards or your employer’s exact rules.
Pay progression (spine points or increments) is modelled from the dataset; real progression rules vary by employer and contract.
Outputs are gross estimates unless stated otherwise. We don't deduct tax, National Insurance or pension.
Allowances and eligibility vary by employer and location.

Career Break Impact Calculator

You'll see:

Illustrative lost earnings over the break
Re-entry pay (e.g. at bottom of band or a spine point)

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Frequently asked questions

About this role

What is an ECT?

An ECT (Early Career Teacher) is in the first two years of teaching after gaining QTS. They receive structured support and reduced timetable. Pay is on the Main Pay Range (STPCD).

Typical demands, progression and balance

ECT years offer support and rapid development. Pay and satisfaction depend on school and subject. Progression to full pay range and TLR roles is common.

What if I take a career break?

Returning after a break can affect pay and spine position. Use the calculator above to see illustrative re-entry pay and lost earnings.

Disclaimer

This calculator provides illustrative estimates only and is not financial or career advice. Pay rules and allowances can change. Always check your employer or official sources for definitive figures.