M6 Teacher Salary 2025/26
Main Pay Range Point 6 — top of MPR before crossing the threshold
Gross (annual)
£45,352
Net (TPS on)
£32,944
Net (monthly)
£2,745
About this pay scale
M6 is the top of the Main Pay Range (MPR). Most teachers progress one point per year through the MPR subject to successful annual performance review — so M6 is typically reached 5-6 years into teaching (counting from M1 as ECT Year 1).
Beyond M6, the next step is applying to cross the "threshold" onto the Upper Pay Range (U1-U3). This requires a portfolio submission demonstrating you meet the Threshold Standards, and is decided by the headteacher. Successful UPR crossings typically take 2 years on each upper point — so a teacher reaching M6 at year 5-6 might reach U1 around year 7 and U3 around year 11-13.
Compared across regions
| Region | Gross (annual) | Net (annual, TPS on) | Net (monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rest of England | £45,352 | £32,944 | £2,745 |
| Fringe | £46,839 | £33,909 | £2,826 |
| Outer London | £50,474 | £35,876 | £2,990 |
| Inner London | £52,300 | £37,156 | £3,096 |
By M6 the regional gap has widened further: Inner London tops the Main Pay Range at £52,300 against £45,352 in Rest of England, a difference of nearly £7,000.
Take-Home Pay After Tax, NI and TPS Pension
| Pay point | Gross | TPS | Tax | NI | Net | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rest of England | £45,352 | £4,036 | £5,749 | £2,622 | £32,944 | £2,745 |
| Fringe | £46,839 | £4,169 | £6,020 | £2,741 | £33,909 | £2,826 |
| Outer London | £50,474 | £4,997 | £6,581 | £3,019 | £35,876 | £2,990 |
| Inner London | £52,300 | £5,178 | £6,910 | £3,056 | £37,156 | £3,096 |
M6 is the top of the Main Pay Range. Progression beyond it means applying to cross the threshold onto the Upper Pay Range, which is a separate application rather than an automatic increment. Figures assume 1.0 FTE with TPS on.
Check your own figure
FAQ
How long does it take to reach M6?
Most teachers progress one point per year through the MPR subject to satisfactory annual performance review. M1 → M6 typically takes 5 years — so a teacher who started in September 2020 would expect to be on M6 from September 2025 onwards (M1 in 2020/21 academic year, M6 in 2025/26).
What is the "threshold" between MPR and UPR?
A formal pay-progression decision point. To cross from M6 to U1, you submit a portfolio of evidence against the "post-threshold standards" — sustained good teaching, contribution beyond the classroom, and impact on pupil outcomes. The headteacher decides (with school governance oversight). Once crossed, you stay on UPR; you can't move back to MPR.
Can I stay on M6 instead of crossing to UPR?
Yes. You stay on M6 indefinitely if you don't apply or aren't approved. M6 pay continues to receive annual STRB awards. Many teachers stay on M6 by choice — UPR comes with implicit performance expectations that aren't for everyone.
What happens after M6?
You apply to cross the threshold onto the Upper Pay Range. That is an application assessed against the teacher standards, not an automatic increment, and it is the only route to higher pay on the classroom scales.
How much more is U1 than M6?
In Rest of England, £47,472 against £45,352 — about £2,120 gross. Because that crosses a TPS contribution tier boundary on some regional scales, the net gain can be smaller than the gross difference suggests.
How long does it take to reach M6?
Five years from M1 with annual progression, so most teachers reach the top of the Main Pay Range in their sixth year of teaching. Some schools allow accelerated progression, though it is not part of the national framework.
Try the calculator
These are 1.0 FTE figures with TPS on. If you are approaching the threshold application, the calculator will show what crossing to U1 is worth in take-home rather than in gross, which is the number that actually changes your month.