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 |
The regional gap is widest on the Upper Pay Range. Inner London U3 pays £62,496 against £51,048 in Rest of England — over £11,000, which is more than the gap at any Main Pay Range point.
Take-Home Pay After Tax, NI and TPS Pension
| Pay point | Gross | TPS | Tax | NI | Net | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U1 | £47,472 | £4,700 | £6,040 | £2,792 | £33,940 | £2,828 |
| U2 | £49,232 | £4,874 | £6,358 | £2,932 | £35,068 | £2,922 |
| U3 | £51,048 | £5,054 | £6,685 | £3,031 | £36,278 | £3,023 |
| Inner London U1 | £57,632 | £6,051 | £8,064 | £3,163 | £40,354 | £3,363 |
| Inner London U2 | £60,464 | £6,349 | £9,078 | £3,219 | £41,818 | £3,485 |
| Inner London U3 | £62,496 | £6,562 | £9,806 | £3,260 | £42,868 | £3,572 |
The Upper Pay Range has three points, and movement between them is normally every two years rather than annually. Rest of England and Inner London are shown; Fringe and Outer London sit between the two. Figures assume 1.0 FTE with TPS on.
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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.
How do I get onto the Upper Pay Range?
By applying to cross the threshold. The application is assessed against whether you are highly competent in all elements of the teacher standards and your achievements and contribution are substantial and sustained. It is not automatic on reaching M6.
How often do I move up the Upper Pay Range?
Normally every two years rather than annually, subject to performance. With three points, moving from U1 to U3 typically takes four years.
Is the Upper Pay Range worth it financially?
The three points add around £3,600 gross in Rest of England and over £4,800 in Inner London. Against that, higher pay can move you into a higher TPS contribution tier, so it is worth checking the take-home figures above rather than the gross ones.
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Figures are 1.0 FTE with TPS on. UPR progression is normally every two years rather than annually, so the gap between these rows represents a longer wait than the Main Pay Range equivalents.