The Upper Pay Range Explained — U1, U2 and U3 for Teachers
What the Upper Pay Range is, how to apply, what you earn at U1, U2 and U3 in 2026/27, and exactly how much more lands in your account each month compared with M6.
What is the Upper Pay Range?
The Upper Pay Range (UPS) is a separate pay range for experienced teachers who have shown sustained high performance. It sits above the Main Pay Range (M1–M6) and has three points: U1, U2 and U3.
The 1 September 2026 UPS salaries for England (outside London) are:
| Scale point | Gross annual salary |
|---|---|
| U1 | £49,134 |
| U2 | £50,956 |
| U3 | £52,835 |
For comparison, M6 (the top of the main range) is £46,940.
Who can apply?
To move to the UPS you must be assessed as meeting your school's criteria. Schools set their own policies, but the STPCD requires that:
- You are highly competent in all elements of the Teachers' Standards
- Your achievements and contribution are substantial and sustained
There is no automatic progression — you usually apply once a year (many schools set a deadline of 31 October), and if successful you move onto U1 from the following September. Most schools then allow progression to U2 and U3, though some require a new application for each step.
What the UPS actually adds to take-home
Rest of England, standard tax code, TPS pension, no student loan:
| Scale point | Gross annual | TPS rate | Monthly take-home | vs. M6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M6 | £46,940 | 8.9% | £2,831 | — |
| U1 | £49,134 | 9.9% | £2,917 | +£86/month |
| U2 | £50,956 | 9.9% | £3,018 | +£187/month |
| U3 | £52,835 | 9.9% | £3,128 | +£296/month |
U3 puts an extra £296/month in your account compared to M6 — £3,556 a year.
The TPS tier crossing
The boundary between the 8.9% and 9.9% TPS tiers is £48,727, and the rate applies to your whole salary.
In 2026/27, U1 (£49,134) is above that boundary while M6 is below it — so stepping onto the UPS raises your pension rate from 8.9% to 9.9%. That's why the first step up adds less to your payslip than the gross figures suggest. The extra contribution isn't lost: it buys a bigger pension.
London rates
The London premium applies to the UPS too. An Inner London U3 teacher earns £64,684 and takes home about £3,667/month — though with a higher TPS rate (10.5%) and some income in the 40% tax band.
Should you apply?
Yes, in almost all circumstances. Every year you stay at M6 when you could be on UPS costs you real money — £86/month at U1 and £296/month at U3, plus a bigger pension.
If your school rejects an application without clear written reasons, your union can help you challenge the decision.
Use the calculator to see the exact take-home at your scale point, location, and with any TLR or SEN allowance.
Figures are for guidance only. Not financial advice. For personalised calculations, use the take-home calculator.