Moving schools as a teacher

A new school in England does not have to match your current salary point. Main pay points M1 to M6 are advisory, and each school sets its own pay policy within the statutory minimum and maximum. Most schools will match the point you have reached, especially in shortage subjects, but get it in writing before you accept. Your Teachers’ Pension Scheme membership, QTS and any completed induction always come with you.

Whether your pay follows you

Schools decide where to place a new teacher on the pay range. From 1 September 2026 the main pay range outside London runs from £34,069 (M1) to £46,940 (M6), and the upper pay range from £49,134 (U1) to £52,835 (U3). A teacher on M4 (£40,941) moving schools could be offered M4, a higher point or, less often, a lower one.

The pay offer usually comes with the job offer. Ask before you accept and do not assume. Points to raise:

• your current point and when you are next due to progress
• whether the new school will honour a pay progression decision already made at your current school
• whether you are on the upper pay range and whether the new school will keep you there

A new school should normally recognise upper pay range status, though its pay policy decides how. If the offer is lower than your current salary, it is reasonable to ask why and to negotiate. The guide to teacher pay scales in England has every point, including London and the fringe.

TLRs and allowances

Teaching and learning responsibility payments belong to a post, not a person. Move from head of department on a TLR2 to a classroom job elsewhere and the TLR stops. A new responsibility is valued by the new school within the national ranges: from September 2026, TLR2 is £3,651 to £8,913 and TLR1 £10,531 to £17,819. SEN allowances (£2,885 to £5,690) work the same way. See the guide to TLR payments.

Resignation deadlines

Teachers in maintained schools in England and Wales resign on fixed dates under the Burgundy Book:

To leave on	Resign by
31 December	31 October
30 April	28 or 29 February
31 August	31 May

Headteachers need longer notice. Many academies follow the same dates, but your contract decides. Most teachers move in September because the 31 May deadline fits the spring recruitment round. The guide to teacher resignation deadlines covers the rules and what happens if you miss a date.

Academies and maintained schools

Moving between a maintained school and an academy, or between academy trusts, changes your employer and sometimes your terms. Academies can set their own pay and conditions. Many follow the STPCD and the Burgundy Book closely and some do not, so ask for the contract and pay policy before you accept. Check:

• the pay scale used and whether it includes the 2026 award
• directed time and the length of the school day
• sick pay and maternity pay terms
• whether the trust can move you between its schools

The guide to academies and maintained schools compares the two.

Pension and service

The Teachers’ Pension Scheme is the same for maintained schools and nearly all academies in England and Wales, so moving between them leaves your membership alone. Your contribution rate is set on your actual pensionable pay; a teacher on £40,941 pays 8.9 per cent from 1 April 2026. Independent schools may or may not offer the TPS.

Burgundy Book sick pay and maternity pay are linked to your service as a teacher with local authorities. Service at your old school normally counts at a new maintained school. Academies decide their own approach, though most recognise previous teaching service. If you are planning a family or have a health condition, get this confirmed in writing.

Moving between nations

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own pay arrangements. Wales has its own STPC(W)D, Scotland uses SNCT scales, and Northern Ireland has its own scales with no M1. Teachers moving to Scotland must register with the General Teaching Council for Scotland, and a move to Northern Ireland needs registration with GTCNI. Pay and service recognition work differently, so check carefully.

References and starting

Your current head will be asked for a reference, usually before interview under safer recruitment rules. You will need a new enhanced DBS check with a children’s barred list check unless the new school can use your existing certificate through the DBS Update Service.

Schools in England list vacancies free on Teaching Vacancies, and the teaching jobs pages show current roles. Visit the school on a normal day before you accept, if you can.