About M1 (Main Scale 1)
The starting salary for a newly qualified teacher (NQT/ECT). The first year of teaching.
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: M1 (Main Scale 1)
M1 is the starting point on the main pay scale for newly qualified teachers (ECTs) outside London. Progression from M1 to M2 is based on annual performance management reviews. The Teachers' Pension Scheme, with its 28.68% employer contribution, adds substantial value on top of the headline salary.
M1 With Pension Deductions
Most teachers are automatically enrolled in the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS). At £34,068, M1 falls in the 7.4% contribution tier. Here is the take-home after income tax, National Insurance and pension:
| Deduction | Yearly | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Gross salary | £34,068 | £2,839 |
| Income tax | -£4,300 | -£358 |
| National Insurance | -£1,720 | -£143 |
| TPS pension (7.4%) | -£2,521 | -£210 |
| Take home after pension | £25,528 | £2,127 |
While the pension reduces monthly pay, the employer contributes an extra 28.68% (£9,771/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
Here is the typical teacher pay journey from NQT to the top of the upper pay scale. From M1 to UPS3, monthly take-home rises from £2,337 to £3,433. Progression through M1–M6 is largely automatic with satisfactory reviews, while moving onto UPS requires a formal application.
| 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+ |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the take home pay for a M1 (Main Scale 1) teacher?
M1 (Main Scale 1) teacher salary is £34,068 (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 £28,049/year or £2,337/month.
Is M1 the same as the NQT starting salary?
Yes. M1 (Main Pay Scale point 1) is the starting salary for newly qualified teachers (ECTs) in England and Wales outside London. For 2026/27 it is £34,068. Inner London NQTs start higher, at about £41,728.
How much is M1 teacher pay after pension?
On the M1 salary of £34,068, the Teachers' Pension contribution is 7.4% — about £2,521/year or £210/month. After tax, National Insurance and pension, take home is roughly £2,127/month (£25,528/year). On top of that, the employer contributes 28.68% (£9,771/year) to your pension.
Related Pages
Calculate exact take home with pension and student loan deductions
Full salary calculator →