About Leadership L1
The entry point of the leadership pay range, for assistant heads and large-department heads.
These are England & Wales rates outside London. Inner London, Outer London and the London Fringe have higher pay scales — see the full teacher pay scale for the regional rates.
All Teacher Pay Points 2026/27
Every classroom and common leadership pay point for the rest of England and Wales (outside London), with the gross salary and monthly take-home after income tax and National Insurance:
| Scale Point | Gross Salary | Take Home/Month |
|---|---|---|
| M1 (Main Scale 1) | £34,068 | £2,337 |
| M2 (Main Scale 2) | £36,042 | £2,456 |
| M3 (Main Scale 3) | £38,400 | £2,597 |
| M4 (Main Scale 4) | £40,940 | £2,750 |
| M5 (Main Scale 5) | £43,529 | £2,905 |
| M6 (Main Scale 6) | £46,939 | £3,110 |
| UPS1 (Upper Pay Scale 1) | £49,134 | £3,241 |
| UPS2 (Upper Pay Scale 2) | £50,955 | £3,343 |
| UPS3 (Upper Pay Scale 3) | £52,835 | £3,433 |
| Leadership L1 | £53,585 | £3,470 |
| Leadership L10 | £66,955 | £4,116 |
| Leadership L20 | £85,547 | £5,015 |
| Leadership L30 | £109,291 | £6,007 |
Teachers’ Pension
Teachers contribute 7.4% to 12% of salary to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme, on a tiered scale. This reduces take-home pay but funds one of the best defined-benefit pensions available, with the employer adding 28.68% on top.
Teacher Pay: Leadership L1
Leadership L1 marks the start of school leadership. Typical roles include head of a large department, assistant head teacher, or deputy head of a small school. The step up from UPS3 reflects significantly increased management and strategic responsibility.
Leadership L1 With Pension Deductions
Most teachers are automatically enrolled in the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS). At £53,585, Leadership L1 falls in the 9.9% contribution tier. Here is the take-home after income tax, National Insurance and pension:
| Deduction | Yearly | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Gross salary | £53,585 | £4,465 |
| Income tax | -£8,866 | -£739 |
| National Insurance | -£3,082 | -£257 |
| TPS pension (9.9%) | -£5,305 | -£442 |
| Take home after pension | £36,332 | £3,028 |
While the pension reduces monthly pay, the employer contributes an extra 28.68% (£15,368/year), making the TPS one of the most valuable workplace pensions in the UK. See how other teaching salaries compare after pension deductions.
Career Progression: M1 to UPS3
The classroom pay ladder below runs from NQT (M1) to the top of the upper pay scale (UPS3). Leadership pay continues above this:
| Stage | Scale Point | Salary | Take Home/Month | Typical Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NQT | M1 | £34,068 | £2,337 | Year 1 |
| Early career | M2 | £36,042 | £2,456 | Year 2 |
| Developing | M3 | £38,400 | £2,597 | Year 3 |
| Established | M4 | £40,940 | £2,750 | Year 4 |
| Experienced | M5 | £43,529 | £2,905 | Year 5 |
| Top of main scale | M6 | £46,939 | £3,110 | Year 6 |
| Senior practitioner | UPS1 | £49,134 | £3,241 | Year 7+ |
| Advanced | UPS2 | £50,955 | £3,343 | Year 9+ |
| Top of UPS | UPS3 | £52,835 | £3,433 | Year 11+ |
Leadership pay runs from L1 at £53,585 up to L43 at £143,796 (outside London). Leadership L1 sits at £53,585, taking home £3,470 a month after tax and National Insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the take home pay for a Leadership L1 teacher?
Leadership L1 teacher salary is £53,585 (England & Wales, outside London) under the confirmed 2026/27 award (STRB 3.5%), effective 1 September 2026. After income tax and National Insurance, take home is £41,637/year or £3,470/month.
Who is paid on Leadership L1?
Leadership L1 is the entry point of the leadership pay range. Typical roles include head of a large department, assistant head teacher, or deputy head of a small school.
How much is Leadership L1 teacher pay after pension?
On the Leadership L1 salary of £53,585, the Teachers' Pension contribution is 9.9% — about £5,305/year or £442/month. After tax, National Insurance and pension, take home is roughly £3,028/month (£36,332/year). On top of that, the employer contributes 28.68% (£15,368/year) to your pension.
Related Pages
Calculate exact take home with pension and student loan deductions
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