ECT Pay Progression Calculator
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Wondering how pay and progression look for an ECT? This tool shows how your salary could grow over the next few years, whether you're planning a move or just curious where your current band can take you. We've mapped typical pay scales so you can explore the numbers and plan ahead.
Assumptions and pay data
Pay data: School Teachers' Pay (England). Main (M1–M6) and Upper (U1–U3) rest-of-England points uplifted 3.5% for September 2026 (STRB accepted). Leading Practitioner and Leadership interpolated as before. Support: NJC SCP 5–12 uplifted 3.3%. Formal STPCD circular expected October 2026.
- Figures are illustrative and may not reflect the latest pay awards or your employer’s exact rules.
- 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.
Guide for ECT
This guide explains how pay progression typically works for ECT at Schools on Main Pay Range (M1–M6) under School Teachers' Pay (England). Use the calculator below for illustrative figures; confirm spine points and progression dates with your employer.
Pay progression for ECT
As ECT at Schools, pay is usually set under School Teachers' Pay (England). Our dataset typically maps this role to Main Pay Range (M1–M6); 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 ECT
ECT → Main Pay Range → Upper Pay Range (application). Use the calculator below to model pay on the teachers’ 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 | Main Pay Range (M1–M6) |
|---|---|
| Years already in band | 0 |
| Gross pay now (example) | £34,068 |
| Gross pay after 5 years (example) | £46,939 |
| Projection period | 5 years |
Pay Progression Calculator
You'll see:
- Current gross pay and pay at the end of your chosen period
- Total gross earnings over the period
- A year-by-year table and chart
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Frequently asked questions
What does this ECT pay progression calculator do?
It projects gross annual pay over a number of years for Schools ECT 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 ECT?
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). We don't store any inputs or results; everything runs in your browser.
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 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.
Are there progression routes?
ECT → Main Pay Range → Upper Pay Range (application). Use the table above to model pay on the teachers’ pay spine.
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.