Teachers across England are waiting for clarity on the teacher pay rise for 2026/27 as discussions continue between the Department for Education (DfE), unions, and the School Teachers’ Review Body (STRB).
While no final award has been confirmed yet, the government has proposed a cumulative 6.5% pay increase spread across three academic years from 2026/27 to 2028/29.
However, unions argue the proposal may fall below inflation and could worsen recruitment and retention pressures in schools.
Key highlights:
- The proposed pay rise is not yet finalised
- The 6.5% increase would be spread over three years
- Teachers already received a 4% pay rise for 2025/26
- Unions are considering strike action over funding concerns
- Final recommendations are expected after STRB review
Is the Teacher Pay Rise for 2026/27 Officially Confirmed Yet?
The teacher pay rise for 2026/27 has not been officially confirmed. Although the Department for Education has submitted its recommendations, the final decision will only be made after the School Teachers’ Review Body completes its assessment and ministers approve the outcome.
At present, the government’s proposal suggests a cumulative 6.5% pay award covering the academic years 2026/27, 2027/28, and 2028/29. Unlike previous annual settlements, this proposal is designed as a longer-term approach aimed at giving schools more financial stability.
However, there is uncertainty around how much of the increase teachers would actually receive in 2026/27 because the proposed rises are expected to be weighted towards the later years of the agreement.
“The aim is to balance affordability for schools with the need to support teacher recruitment and retention,” stated a Department for Education spokesperson.
Until the STRB publishes its recommendations, teachers and school leaders will continue to rely on estimates rather than confirmed salary figures.
What Has the Government Proposed for the 2026/27 Teacher Pay Rise?
The DfE’s proposal has become one of the most discussed education issues in England because it attempts to spread pay growth over several years rather than implementing a large single-year increase.
Why Has the DfE Suggested a 6.5% Pay Award Over Three Years?
According to government submissions, the proposed structure is intended to help schools manage staffing budgets more effectively. The DfE believes a multi-year settlement could provide greater financial certainty for schools already dealing with rising operational costs.
Key details of the proposal include:
- A cumulative 6.5% pay rise between 2026/27 and 2028/29
- Larger increases expected in the later years
- Focus on long-term workforce planning
- Attempts to balance affordability with recruitment needs
The government has also pointed to previous increases already awarded to teachers, including a 5.5% rise in 2024 and a 4% increase for 2025/26.
How Will the Pay Increase Be Distributed Between 2026/27 and 2028/29?
One of the biggest concerns among teachers is that the pay award is not expected to be evenly distributed across the three years. Early indications suggest smaller increases may apply initially, with larger rises arriving later in the settlement period.
Proposed pay award structure:
| Academic Year | Proposed Position | Notes |
| 2025/26 | 4% confirmed | Already accepted |
| 2026/27 | Not yet confirmed | Likely lower initial increase |
| 2027/28 | Part of cumulative 6.5% | Weighted increase expected |
| 2028/29 | Part of cumulative 6.5% | Higher uplift anticipated |
This approach has triggered criticism from unions that believe delayed increases may reduce the real value of salaries if inflation remains high. The uncertainty surrounding the yearly breakdown also makes financial planning more difficult for teachers themselves.
How Much Could Teachers Earn Under the New Pay Proposal?
While exact 2026/27 salaries are not available yet, current 2025/26 teacher pay scales provide a useful benchmark for understanding possible future earnings.
Current Main Pay Range and Upper Pay Scale Figures for England
Teachers in England received a 4% salary increase for 2025/26. This has already pushed entry-level and experienced teacher salaries higher across all regions.
Current England teacher pay scales excluding London and Fringe:
| Pay Scale | 2025/26 Salary |
| M1 | £32,916 |
| M3 | £37,101 |
| M6 | £45,352 |
| U1 | £47,472 |
| U3 | £51,048 |
Leadership and specialist roles also saw increases following the latest pay award. These figures provide a baseline for estimating what teachers could earn if future increases are approved.
How Do London Teacher Salaries Compare with the Rest of England?
Teachers working in London continue to receive significantly higher salaries due to regional cost-of-living pressures.
Selected Inner London salaries for 2025/26:
| Position | Salary |
| M1 | £40,317 |
| M6 | £52,300 |
| U3 | £62,496 |
| Leadership L10 | £74,479 |
Regional pay differences remain an important part of discussions around recruitment because schools in higher-cost areas often struggle to attract and retain staff.
What Could a Future Teacher Salary Increase Look Like in Real Terms?
If the government eventually applies a modest percentage rise in 2026/27, salary increases may appear limited after inflation is considered.
For example:
- A teacher earning £45,352 could receive a relatively small annual increase if only part of the 6.5% award applies initially
- Inflation above wage growth would reduce real purchasing power
- Teachers in high-cost areas may feel the impact more strongly
Although the proposal aims to support long-term financial planning, many teachers are focused on immediate living costs rather than future staged increases. This uncertainty continues to fuel wider debate across the education sector.
Why Are Teaching Unions Criticising the 2026/27 Pay Offer?
Teaching unions argue the proposed teacher pay rise for 2026/27 does not go far enough to address workload pressures, rising living costs, and staffing shortages.
The National Education Union (NEU) has been particularly vocal in criticising the proposal, warning that below-inflation increases could deepen the recruitment and retention crisis already affecting schools.
“Unfunded below-inflation pay increases are an insult,” said NEU General Secretary Daniel Kebede.
Union leaders also argue schools cannot absorb additional salary costs without proper government funding. If schools are forced to cover pay awards from existing budgets, there are fears this could lead to:
- Staff redundancies
- Increased class sizes
- Reduced student support services
- Greater teacher workload pressures
The dispute is not solely about salary percentages. Many unions believe education funding and teacher wellbeing are now closely connected issues.
Could Teachers Go on Strike Over the 2026/27 Pay Rise?
Industrial action remains a realistic possibility if unions reject the government’s final offer. The NEU has already indicated it could organise a formal strike ballot if the proposal remains unchanged.
What Is the NEU Saying About School Funding and Inflation?
The union argues that inflation continues to outpace proposed pay growth, particularly after recent global energy price increases and wider economic pressures.
Current union concerns include:
- Teacher salaries failing to match inflation
- Schools lacking sufficient funding
- Increasing teacher workload
- Recruitment difficulties across England
The NEU believes fully funded pay rises are essential if schools are expected to maintain staffing levels and educational standards.
How Could Industrial Action Affect Schools and Parents?
If strike action proceeds, schools across England could face significant disruption similar to previous industrial action seen in 2023.
Potential impacts may include:
- Temporary school closures
- Remote learning arrangements
- Disrupted exam preparation
- Increased childcare challenges for parents
“Children and parents would ultimately pay the price for industrial action,” a DfE representative warned during recent discussions.
Although no official strike dates have been announced, tensions between unions and government departments remain high ahead of the final decision.
How Does Inflation Impact the Value of Teacher Salary Increases?
Inflation plays a major role in determining whether a teacher pay rise actually improves living standards. Even if salaries increase on paper, rising household costs can reduce the practical value of those earnings.
Recent inflation concerns have intensified pressure on public sector pay negotiations, particularly within education. Teachers face higher mortgage costs, energy bills, transport expenses, and everyday living costs, which means many are closely watching whether future salary growth exceeds inflation levels.
If inflation remains above annual pay increases, many teachers may continue to experience what economists describe as a “real-terms pay cut”. This explains why unions are demanding settlements that go beyond headline percentage figures.
What Role Does the School Teachers’ Review Body (STRB) Play in Pay Decisions?
The School Teachers’ Review Body acts as an independent advisory organisation responsible for reviewing evidence submitted by the government, unions, and education bodies.
The STRB evaluates several factors before making recommendations, including:
- Economic conditions
- Inflation forecasts
- School affordability
- Teacher recruitment data
- Workforce retention concerns
Although the STRB provides recommendations, ministers make the final decision on teacher pay awards in England.
Its findings are expected to heavily influence the final structure of the 2026/27 settlement. Schools, teachers, and unions are therefore waiting closely for the outcome before making further decisions on budgets or industrial action.
What Should Teachers Expect Next for Pay in England?
Teachers should expect further negotiations and political debate before any final pay settlement is confirmed. The current proposal remains under review, meaning salary forecasts could still change.
The most likely next steps include publication of STRB recommendations, government response discussions, and possible union consultations regarding industrial action.
For now, teachers can expect continued uncertainty around:
- Exact annual salary increases
- School funding arrangements
- Inflation-adjusted earnings
- Future workforce conditions
Despite this uncertainty, teacher pay remains one of the most important public sector issues facing the education system in England.
Conclusion
The teacher pay rise for 2026/27 remains unconfirmed, but the government’s proposed 6.5% cumulative increase over three years has sparked debate across the education sector.
While the DfE says it could support stability, unions argue it may not match inflation or staffing pressures.
With the STRB still reviewing submissions, teachers must wait for final recommendations, as concerns over affordability, recruitment, retention, and strike action continue.
FAQs
Has the teacher pay rise for 2026/27 been officially confirmed?
No, the final teacher pay rise for 2026/27 has not yet been confirmed by the government.
What is the proposed teacher pay rise for 2026/27?
The government has proposed a cumulative 6.5% pay award covering 2026/27 to 2028/29.
Does the 6.5% proposal apply only to 2026/27?
No, the proposal is spread across three academic years rather than a single year.
Why are unions unhappy with the teacher pay proposal?
Unions believe the proposed increases may fall below inflation and are concerned about school funding pressures.
Will teacher pay scales change again after 2025/26?
Yes, pay scales are expected to change once the final 2026/27 settlement is agreed.
Could teacher strikes happen over the 2026/27 pay award?
Yes, unions including the NEU have warned that strike action remains possible.
When will the final teacher pay rise for 2026/27 be announced?
Final decisions are expected after the STRB completes its review and ministers respond to its recommendations.