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Education2025/26

Secondary School Teacher Salary in the UK

Secondary school teachers educate students aged 11-18 in specific subjects. They plan lessons, assess student progress, and support student development.

Average Salary
£38,000
per year
Entry Level
£30,000
starting salary
Experienced
£38,000
mid-career
Senior Level
£46,000
top earners

Secondary School Teacher Take Home Pay

On the average Secondary School Teacher salary of £38,000, you would take home £30,880 per year (£2,573.30 per month) after tax and National Insurance.

Yearly
Gross: £38,000.00
£30,879.60
Income Tax:-£5,086.00
National Insurance:-£2,034.40
Monthly
Gross: £3,166.67
£2,573.30
Income Tax:-£423.83
National Insurance:-£169.53
Weekly
Gross: £730.77
£593.84
Income Tax:-£97.81
National Insurance:-£39.12

Effective tax rate: 18.7%|Marginal rate: 20%

Secondary School Teacher Salary by Location

Secondary School Teacher salaries vary significantly by region. London typically offers the highest salaries but also has a higher cost of living.

London
£42,000
+17% vs national
South East
£39,000
+8% vs national
National Average
£36,000
baseline

Secondary School Teacher Salary Growth (2020-2025)

See how Secondary School Teacher salaries have changed over the past 5 years, including inflation-adjusted real growth.

Secondary School Teacher Salary Trends (5 Years)
Historical salary data from 2020 to 2025

+17.0%

Total Growth

+£5,534

Salary Increase

+3.2%

Annual Growth Rate

-8.5%

Real Growth (Inflation Adj.)

Year-over-Year Changes

20202021
£32,466£33,180+2.2%
20212022
£33,180£34,109+2.8%
20222023
£34,109£35,303+3.5%
20232024
£35,303£36,715+4.0%
20242025
£36,715£38,000+3.5%

Key Skills Required

Subject KnowledgeCommunicationClassroom ManagementPatienceOrganisationCreativity

Typical Qualifications

  • Relevant degree
  • PGCE or QTS
  • Enhanced DBS check

Secondary School Teacher Career Progression

NQT
Teacher
Head of Department
Assistant Head
Deputy Head
Headteacher

What Does a Secondary School Teacher Do?

Planning and delivering lessons
Assessing student work and progress
Managing classroom behaviour
Communicating with parents
Participating in school activities

Industries Hiring Secondary School Teachers

State SchoolsIndependent SchoolsAcademiesSpecial Schools

Calculate Your Take Home Pay

Adjust the salary and see your personalised take-home pay calculation.

Your Income

Enter your salary details for 2025/26

£
£
£
0%

Salary sacrifice reduces taxable income

Take Home Pay

£30,879.60/year

81.3% of gross income

  • Gross Income£38,000.00
  • Taxable Income£25,430.00
  • Income Tax-£5,086.00
  • National Insurance-£2,034.40
  • Total Deductions-£7,120.40

18.7%

Effective Rate

20%

Marginal Rate

£38,000 Salary Insights

Compare your salary and understand your tax breakdown

£38,000 vs UK Wages

Above UK median

+9%

vs UK Median

£3,000

Above Median

Where Your £38,000 Goes

Annual breakdown of your salary

Take Home81.3%
Income Tax13.4%
National Insurance5.4%

Tax Benefits on £38,000 from Pension

See how pension contributions reduce your tax bill

Increase your pension contribution to see potential tax savings. Pension contributions reduce your taxable income.

Secondary School Teacher Salary FAQ

What is the average Secondary School Teacher salary in the UK?

The average Secondary School Teacher salary in the UK is £38,000 per year. Salaries typically range from £30,000 for entry-level positions to £50,000 for senior roles.

How much does a Secondary School Teacher earn in London?

A Secondary School Teacher in London earns an average of £42,000 per year, which is 17% higher than the national average.

What is the take-home pay for a Secondary School Teacher?

On the average Secondary School Teacher salary of £38,000, you would take home approximately £30,880 per year (£2,573.30 per month) after income tax and National Insurance.