Assumptions and pay data
- Burgundy Book section 4 para 2.1: full pay for 25 working days and, after four calendar months' service, half pay for 50 in your first year; 50 and 50 in your second; 75 and 75 in your third; and 100 days of each from your fourth year. Working days are days within directed time (para 2.3).
- Sick leave years run from 1/4 to 31/3, not a rolling 12 months, and sick pay from a previous employer in the same year counts (para 4.1).
- Service means all your teaching service with one or more local authorities added together (para 2.1). Academies may use their own policy, so check yours.
- Statutory Sick Pay is included in sick pay, not added (para 3.1).
Sick Pay Entitlement Calculator
EnglandMaintained schools / STPCD or NJC support staffFramework from 1/9/2026
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Guide for UPS Teacher
This guide summarises occupational sick pay for UPS Teacher under School Teachers' Pay (England) at Schools. Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is usually paid as part of occupational sick pay, not on top of it.
Sick pay for UPS Teacher
As UPS Teacher at Schools, occupational sick pay usually follows School Teachers. With around five years' continuous service, illustrative entitlement might be up to 100 working days on full pay and 100 working days on half pay each sick leave year. Self-certification is often allowed for the first seven days; a fit note is commonly required after that.
Fit notes and rolling periods
Self-certification is often allowed for the first seven days. Some employers use a rolling period (for example four years) that limits how much full and half pay you can use. Check your policy for qualifying service and evidence requirements.
Example scenario
Example at 5 years' service: 100 working days on full pay and 100 on half pay under the Burgundy Book
| Sector terms (example) | School Teachers |
|---|---|
| Years of service (example) | 5 |
| Full pay working days (example) | 100 |
| Half pay working days (example) | 100 |
Frequently asked questions
How much sick pay do teachers get?
Full pay for 25 working days and, after four calendar months' service, half pay for 50 in your first year; 50 and 50 in your second; 75 and 75 in your third; and 100 days of each from your fourth year, under Burgundy Book para 2.1. Your employer can give more (para 2.2).
Do school holidays count against my sick leave?
No. Sickness during school closures does not use up your entitlement, and you stay on the rate you were on the day before the closure (paras 7.1 and 7.2).
What if I am injured or assaulted at work?
You get full pay for up to six calendar months, and that absence does not count against your normal sick leave (paras 9.1 and 9.3).
Does my entitlement reset each year?
Yes, on 1/4. If you are off sick on 31/3, your new entitlement starts only when you return to work (para 4.1).
Is Statutory Sick Pay paid on top?
No. Para 3.1 says sick pay includes Statutory Sick Pay, and the total cannot exceed your full pay.
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About this role
What is a UPS Teacher?
A UPS Teacher is on the Upper Pay Range (UPR) of the teachers’ pay spine, usually after successful application. They have sustained high performance. Pay is on STPCD UPR.
Typical demands, progression and balance
UPR reflects experience and impact. Pay and satisfaction depend on school and role. Progression to TLR, lead practitioner or leadership is common.
What sick pay am I entitled to?
Contractual sick pay usually depends on length of service. Use the calculator above to see full pay and half pay periods for your sector. Always check your employer's policy and fit-note requirements.
Disclaimer
Illustrative estimates, not legal or HR advice. Your contract and your employer's policy decide your actual entitlement.