Upper Pay Range — U1, U2, U3
Three points (U1, U2, U3) for post-threshold teachers
Gross (annual)
£51,048
Net (TPS on)
£36,278
Net (monthly)
£3,023
About this pay scale
The Upper Pay Range is the second tier of the classroom-teacher pay structure, available to teachers who have "crossed the threshold" from the Main Pay Range. It has just three points (U1, U2, U3) compared to MPR's six. Progression on UPR is not automatic — schools must decide a teacher continues to meet the post-threshold standards before moving them up.
U1 → U2 typically takes 2 years, and U2 → U3 typically takes another 2 years (the "two-year rule"). At Rest of England rates, that's £47,472 → £49,232 → £51,048 — a £3,576 pay rise spread over 4 years. Inner London UPR jumps are bigger: £57,632 → £60,464 → £62,496.
Compared across regions
| Region | Gross (annual) | Net (annual, TPS on) | Net (monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rest of England | £51,048 | £36,278 | £3,023 |
| Fringe | £52,490 | £37,289 | £3,107 |
| Outer London | £56,154 | £39,587 | £3,299 |
| Inner London | £62,496 | £42,868 | £3,572 |
All four regions use entirely separate STPCD pay tables — not a percentage uplift. Net pay assumes TPS contributions are on at the applicable tier, no student loan, no salary sacrifice, 1.0 FTE.
FAQ
Is UPR the same as TLR?
No — they're separate. UPR (Upper Pay Range) is your basic pay scale after crossing the threshold. TLR (Teaching and Learning Responsibility) is an extra payment on top for taking on specific responsibilities like running a department or leading a year group. You can be on UPR with or without TLRs, and you can hold TLRs while still on MPR.
How does UPR progression work?
Not automatic. Each progression (U1 → U2, U2 → U3) requires the school to confirm continued performance against post-threshold standards. The "two-year rule" is the convention — at least 2 years on each upper point before moving up — but schools can defer if performance hasn't been sustained.
What happens at U3 — is there a next step?
U3 is the top of the upper pay range; there's no U4. From U3, the next career step is either Leadership (deputy head, assistant head, or head — moving onto the Leadership Pay Spine), or staying on U3 indefinitely receiving annual STRB awards. Some teachers also gain TLR payments at U3.
Try the calculator
The figures on this page assume a full-time teacher (1.0 FTE) on TPS at the appropriate contribution tier, no student loan, no salary sacrifice. Real life is more nuanced — use the calculator to layer in your specific situation (part-time FTE, TLR / SEN allowances, student loan, exact pay point) and see your real take-home.