About M5 in Northern Ireland
The fourth year on the Northern Ireland main scale.
These are the national NI rates under the 2025/26 settlement. See the full Northern Ireland scale for every leadership point and allowance.
Northern Ireland Teacher Pay Points
The classroom points and key leadership points in force from 1 September 2025, with monthly take-home after income tax and National Insurance:
| Scale Point | Gross Salary | Take Home/Month |
|---|---|---|
| M2 (minimum) | £32,916 | £2,268 |
| M3 | £35,185 | £2,404 |
| M4 | £37,809 | £2,562 |
| M5 | £40,700 | £2,735 |
| M6 (maximum) | £43,830 | £2,923 |
| UPS1 | £47,390 | £3,137 |
| UPS2 | £49,104 | £3,240 |
| UPS3 (maximum) | £50,876 | £3,339 |
| Leadership L1 | £51,834 | £3,385 |
| Leadership L10 | £64,490 | £3,997 |
| Leadership L20 | £82,096 | £4,848 |
| Leadership L30 | £104,574 | £5,858 |
Tax in Northern Ireland
Income tax is not devolved to Northern Ireland, so NI teachers pay the same income tax and National Insurance as teachers in England — at £40,700 that is £7,876 a year in deductions. Figures are before pension: NI teachers are in the Northern Ireland Teachers' Pension Scheme (administered by the Department of Education), separate from the England & Wales TPS, with tiered member contributions. The full NI tables — all 43 leadership points and every allowance — are on the Northern Ireland teacher pay scales page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the take home pay for a M5 teacher in Northern Ireland?
M5 on the Northern Ireland scale is £40,700 under the 2025/26 settlement (4%, effective 1 September 2025). After income tax and National Insurance, take home is £32,824/year or £2,735/month, before pension.
Is M5 the same in Northern Ireland as in England?
The point name is the same but the value is not: NI's M5 is £40,700, set by NI's own negotiating machinery, and NI is still on its September 2025 scale while England's 2026/27 award is in force. Every NI point is currently lower than its England equivalent.
Will there be a 2026/27 pay rise for NI teachers?
No 2026/27 settlement has been agreed as at August 2026. NI awards have repeatedly been agreed months into the school year and backdated - the 2025/26 deal was accepted in January 2026 and backdated to 1 September 2025 - so this figure remains payable until a new deal is done.
Related Pages
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