About UPS2 (Upper Pay Scale 2)
Second point on upper pay scale.
These are England & Wales rates outside London. Inner London, Outer London, and London Fringe areas have higher pay scales.
All Teacher Pay Points
| Scale Point | Salary | Take Home/Month |
|---|---|---|
| M1 (Main Scale 1) | £31,650 | £2,192 |
| M2 (Main Scale 2) | £33,483 | £2,302 |
| M3 (Main Scale 3) | £35,389 | £2,417 |
| M4 (Main Scale 4) | £37,322 | £2,533 |
| M5 (Main Scale 5) | £39,483 | £2,662 |
| M6 (Main Scale 6) | £41,333 | £2,773 |
| UPS1 (Upper Pay Scale 1) | £44,870 | £2,986 |
| UPS2 (Upper Pay Scale 2) | £46,525 | £3,085 |
| UPS3 (Upper Pay Scale 3) | £48,532 | £3,205 |
| Leadership L1 | £50,122 | £3,301 |
| Leadership L10 | £60,488 | £3,803 |
| Leadership L20 | £74,283 | £4,470 |
| Leadership L30 | £90,773 | £5,267 |
Teachers' Pension
Teachers contribute 7.4% to 11.7% to the Teachers' Pension Scheme depending on salary. This reduces take home pay but provides one of the best defined benefit pensions available.
Teacher Pay: Upper Pay Scale 2
UPS2 requires continued demonstration of impact across the school. Teachers at this level are senior practitioners who significantly influence teaching quality. With UPS2 salary plus TLR payments, total compensation can exceed £45,000-£50,000.
Total Compensation at £39,818
The headline salary of £39,818 does not capture the full value of a teaching package. The Teachers' Pension employer contribution adds approximately £11,419/year. Combined with term-time working (13 weeks holiday versus 5.6 weeks minimum for other workers), the effective value is substantially higher than comparable private sector salaries. See £39,818 salary after tax for the take home breakdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UPS2 teacher salary 2026/27?
The UPS2 (Upper Pay Scale 2) teacher salary for 2026/27 is £46,525 per year in England and Wales (outside London). Inner London UPS2 is higher at approximately £52,000. After tax and National Insurance, take home pay on UPS2 is £3,085 per month or £37,018 per year.
How do you get on UPS2?
To reach UPS2, you must already be on UPS1 and demonstrate that your teaching practice is substantially above the standard expected. Progression from UPS1 to UPS2 typically takes two years and requires evidence of continued high performance and contribution to the wider school, assessed through your school's performance management process.
UPS Pay Scale Comparison
| Scale Point | Salary | Take Home/Month | Difference from UPS2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPS1 | £44,870 | £2,986 | -£99/mo |
| UPS2 (You are here) | £46,525 | £3,085 | — |
| UPS3 | £48,532 | £3,205 | +£120/mo |
| M6 (top of main scale) | £41,333 | £2,773 | -£312/mo |
Related Pages
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