About Leadership L20
A senior leadership point, typical of experienced head teachers of medium-sized schools.
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 L20
Leadership L20 represents senior head teachers of medium-sized schools or experienced deputy heads of large schools. A significant share of income falls in the higher-rate band, and pension contributions can start to approach the annual allowance.
Leadership L20 With Pension Deductions
Most teachers are automatically enrolled in the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS). At £85,547, Leadership L20 falls in the 11.6% contribution tier. Here is the take-home after income tax, National Insurance and pension:
| Deduction | Yearly | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Gross salary | £85,547 | £7,129 |
| Income tax | -£21,651 | -£1,804 |
| National Insurance | -£3,722 | -£310 |
| TPS pension (11.6%) | -£9,923 | -£827 |
| Take home after pension | £50,252 | £4,188 |
While the pension reduces monthly pay, the employer contributes an extra 28.68% (£24,535/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 L20 sits at £85,547, taking home £5,015 a month after tax and National Insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the take home pay for a Leadership L20 teacher?
Leadership L20 teacher salary is £85,547 (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 £60,175/year or £5,015/month.
Who is paid on Leadership L20?
Leadership L20 reflects senior head teachers of medium-sized schools or experienced deputy heads of large schools. A significant share of pay falls in the higher-rate tax band.
How much is Leadership L20 teacher pay after pension?
On the Leadership L20 salary of £85,547, the Teachers' Pension contribution is 11.6% — about £9,923/year or £827/month. After tax, National Insurance and pension, take home is roughly £4,188/month (£50,252/year). On top of that, the employer contributes 28.68% (£24,535/year) to your pension.
Related Pages
Calculate exact take home with pension and student loan deductions
Full salary calculator →