ECT Promotion Timing Calculator

When you get promoted can make a real difference to your earnings over time. This calculator is for an ECT: compare "promote now" vs "promote in a few years" and see the impact on your total pay. Great for weighing up opportunities or understanding the cost of waiting.

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.

Promotion Timing Impact Calculator

You'll see:

Total earnings if you promote now vs later
The difference between the two scenarios
Option to model a second promotion

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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.

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

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.