About M4 (Main Scale 4)
The fourth point on the main pay scale, around the UK median full-time salary.
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: M4 (Main Scale 4)
M4 reflects growing expertise and classroom effectiveness. This salary is close to the UK median for full-time work, so M4 teachers earn around the national average while benefiting from a strong defined-benefit pension and term-time working.
M4 With Pension Deductions
Most teachers are automatically enrolled in the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS). At £40,940, M4 falls in the 8.9% contribution tier. Here is the take-home after income tax, National Insurance and pension:
| Deduction | Yearly | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Gross salary | £40,940 | £3,412 |
| Income tax | -£5,674 | -£473 |
| National Insurance | -£2,270 | -£189 |
| TPS pension (8.9%) | -£3,644 | -£304 |
| Take home after pension | £29,352 | £2,446 |
While the pension reduces monthly pay, the employer contributes an extra 28.68% (£11,742/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 M4 (Main Scale 4) teacher?
M4 (Main Scale 4) teacher salary is £40,940 (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 £32,996/year or £2,750/month.
How long does it take to reach M4?
Teachers usually reach M4 in their fourth year on the main pay scale, moving up one point each September with satisfactory performance. Progression through M1 to M6 is largely automatic; moving onto the upper pay scale needs a formal application.
How much is M4 teacher pay after pension?
On the M4 salary of £40,940, the Teachers' Pension contribution is 8.9% — about £3,644/year or £304/month. After tax, National Insurance and pension, take home is roughly £2,446/month (£29,352/year). On top of that, the employer contributes 28.68% (£11,742/year) to your pension.
Related Pages
Calculate exact take home with pension and student loan deductions
Full salary calculator →