Teachers Upper Pay Range (UPS1–UPS3) 2026/27
Reviewed by James Sheridan, CIPP-qualified payroll specialist · Last verified
Your results
- Annual salary (pro rata)
- £49,134.00
- Monthly gross
- £4,094.50
Estimates only, based on 2026/27 HMRC rates. Verify against GOV.UK before making payroll decisions.
The Upper Pay Range rewards experienced teachers who demonstrate sustained high performance. Outside London, UPS1 is £49,134, rising to £52,835 at UPS3. The step from M6 (£46,940) to UPS1 is worth £2,194 a year. This page covers the 2026/27 UPS rates across all regions, the application process, evidence requirements and the pension impact of moving up. For the full pay scale including Main and Leadership ranges, see the [teachers pay scale calculator](/teachers-pay-scale-calculator/).
How to use this calculator
- Check eligibility. You normally need to be at or near M6 on the Main Pay Range with at least two consecutive successful appraisals.
- Prepare your application. Evidence that you are a highly competent teacher and have made a substantial, sustained contribution to the school.
- Submit to the head teacher. The application goes through the school’s pay committee. Deadlines vary by school.
- Receive the decision. If successful, you move to UPS1. Progression to UPS2 and UPS3 requires further sustained performance.
How it is calculated
UPS part-time pay follows the same formula: UPS salary × FTE. At UPS3 outside London, 0.8 FTE is £42,268 gross. The pension tier moves to 10.2% at the full-time UPS3 rate.
Upper Pay Range table 2026/27
| Pay point | Rest of England | Inner London | Outer London | Fringe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UPS1 | £49,134 | £56,511 | £52,287 | £50,400 |
| UPS2 | £50,956 | £58,321 | £54,101 | £52,214 |
| UPS3 | £52,835 | £61,849 | £56,516 | £53,885 |
The gap between UPS1 and UPS3 outside London is £3,701. In Inner London it is £5,338.
How to apply for the Upper Pay Range
The STPCD requires schools to have a pay policy that explains the application process. In most schools, you submit a written application to the head teacher or pay committee by a deadline (often September or October). The application should demonstrate two things:
- Highly competent teacher: your teaching is consistently good to outstanding, with evidence from lesson observations, pupil outcomes, peer reviews and professional development.
- Substantial and sustained contribution: you have made a wider contribution to the school beyond your own classroom, such as leading CPD, mentoring colleagues, curriculum development or pastoral leadership.
Schools cannot refuse an application without providing written reasons and a right of appeal.
Progression from UPS1 to UPS3
Movement from UPS1 to UPS2 and then UPS3 is not automatic. Each step requires the school to be satisfied that you continue to meet the UPS standards and have maintained a substantial contribution. In practice, most teachers on the UPS move up roughly every two years, but the school’s pay policy governs the timeline.
Unlike the Main Pay Range, there is no expectation of annual increments. The pay committee reviews UPS teachers’ performance and decides whether to award a pay increase.
UPS pension impact
Moving to UPS changes your TPS contribution tier. At M6 outside London (£46,940), the pension rate is 9.6%. At UPS1 (£49,134), it rises to 9.6%, increasing the annual contribution by approximately £211.
However, the higher pension contribution also builds a larger retirement benefit. The TPS is a career-average scheme where each year’s pensionable earnings contribute to the final pension, so higher UPS pay directly increases your retirement income.
Part-time UPS examples
| Scenario | FTE | Gross annual | Pension rate | Annual pension |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UPS1 at 1.0 FTE | 1.0 | £49,134 | 9.6% | £4,717 |
| UPS1 at 0.6 FTE | 0.6 | £29,480 | 7.4% | £2,182 |
| UPS3 at 0.8 FTE | 0.8 | £42,268 | 8.6% | £3,635 |
UPS and academy schools
Academy and free schools are not legally bound to use the Upper Pay Range. Some academies have replaced UPS with their own pay structures, while others retain it. If you work in an academy, check your contract and the trust’s pay policy to understand how UPS or its equivalent works.
When moving from a maintained school (which must use STPCD) to an academy, your UPS pay point is not guaranteed. The academy sets your pay according to its own policy.
Summary
The Upper Pay Range recognises sustained high performance with salaries from £49,134 to £52,835 outside London. Apply through your school’s pay policy, provide evidence of high competence and wider contribution, and check the pension tier impact. For leadership roles beyond UPS3, see the [Leadership Pay Scale page](/teachers-leadership-pay-scale/). For a full gross-to-net breakdown, use the [take-home pay calculator](/take-home-pay-calculator/).
Key rates — tax year 2026/27
Source: GOV.UK, "Rates and thresholds for employers 2026 to 2027" (HMRC).
| Employer NI main rate | 15% |
|---|---|
| Secondary threshold (annual) | £5,000.00 |
| Employment Allowance | £10,500.00 |
| Employee NI main rate | 8% |
| Primary threshold (annual) | £12,570.00 |
| Personal Allowance | £12,570.00 |
| Basic income tax rate | 20% |
| SSP weekly rate | £123.25 |
| SMP weekly rate (flat weeks) | £194.32 |
| Auto-enrolment employer minimum | 3% |
| Auto-enrolment employee minimum | 5% |
| National Living Wage (21+, per hour) | £12.71 |
Frequently asked questions
What is UPS1 salary for teachers in 2026/27?
UPS1 is £49,134 outside London, £56,511 in Inner London, £52,287 in Outer London and £50,400 in the Fringe.
How do I apply for UPS?
Submit a written application to your head teacher or pay committee showing you are a highly competent teacher who has made a substantial and sustained contribution to the school. Check your school’s pay policy for the deadline and required format.
Can a school refuse a UPS application?
Yes, but the school must provide written reasons and offer a right of appeal through the school’s grievance procedure.
How long between UPS1 and UPS3?
There is no fixed timeline. Most teachers move up roughly every two years, but progression depends on the school’s pay policy and sustained performance.
Is UPS pay backdated?
If the application is successful, the new pay point typically applies from 1 September of that academic year, regardless of when the decision is made.
What comes after UPS3?
The next career step is typically a leadership role (assistant head, deputy head or head teacher) on the Leadership Group pay range, or a Leading Practitioner role.
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