Teacher Pay Rise 2026/27: Proposal, Current Status & What Happens Next?

The teacher pay rise 2026/27 has not yet been confirmed in England. The Department for Education (DfE) has proposed a 6.5% increase spread across three years, from 2026/27 to 2028/29, but the final figure for next year still depends on recommendations from the School Teachers’ Review Body (STRB) and government approval.

At present, the debate centres on whether schools can realistically afford the increase. DfE modelling suggests that schools may only be able to fund a 2.7% rise across the next two years combined, creating a gap between what is proposed and what is affordable.

Key highlights:

• The 2026/27 teacher pay rise is still pending
• The DfE has proposed 6.5% over three years
• Schools are only forecast to afford 2.7% over two years
• Teaching unions say the proposal does not match inflation
• A final decision is expected in summer 2026

Is the Teacher Pay Rise for 2026/27 Confirmed Yet?

No confirmed teacher pay award for 2026/27 has been announced yet. While reports about a 6.5% teacher pay rise have circulated widely, this figure refers to a proposal covering three academic years rather than a guaranteed increase for 2026/27 alone.

The DfE submitted its evidence to the STRB earlier this year. The STRB now reviews that evidence alongside submissions from teaching unions and school leaders before making an independent recommendation to the government.

Until that process is complete, teachers in England do not know exactly what their pay rise for 2026/27 will be.

Based on current forecasts, many analysts expect the first year’s increase to be modest, possibly around 1.5% to 2%, with larger increases potentially arriving in later years.

“The proposed three-year package is designed to maintain competitive teacher pay while recognising wider public spending pressures,” said a senior DfE official in evidence submitted to the STRB.

What Has the Department for Education Proposed for Teacher Pay in 2026/27?

The DfE has recommended a total 6.5% teacher pay rise between 2026/27 and 2028/29. However, it has not yet specified exactly how much of that increase would apply in each year.

Proposed Structure of the 6.5% Pay Rise

The department has indicated that the increases would likely be weighted towards the later years of the period. That means teachers may receive a smaller rise in 2026/27, followed by larger increases in 2027/28 and 2028/29.

The current proposal is broadly understood to include:

• A smaller rise in 2026/27, potentially around 1.5% to 2%
• A larger increase in 2027/28
• The highest increase in 2028/29 to reach the full 6.5%

This approach reflects the DfE’s expectation that school finances may improve slightly in later years.

Why has the DFE proposed a Three-year Deal?

The DfE believes a longer-term pay settlement would provide more certainty for schools and teachers. It also argues that spreading the increase over three years would make it easier for schools to manage rising costs.

“A multi-year approach gives schools more certainty when planning budgets and staffing levels,” an education policy adviser told industry stakeholders earlier this spring.

Why Are Schools Only Expected to afford a 2.7% Teacher Pay Rise Over Two Years?

Although the DfE has proposed a 6.5% increase over three years, its own financial modelling shows that schools can only afford an overall 2.7% increase across 2026/27 and 2027/28.

How Much Financial Headroom Do Schools Actually Have?

The DfE estimates that schools will have around £1 billion of additional financial headroom over the next two years.

However, only around £250 million of that amount is expected to be available in 2026/27, making the first year significantly more difficult.

Every extra 1% increase in teacher pay would cost schools roughly £330 million nationally. That means a larger pay award could quickly consume the limited room available in school budgets.

School Budget Pressures and Affordability

Schools are already facing rising costs linked to energy, staffing, SEND provision and day-to-day operations. The DfE expects mainstream school costs to rise by 1.9% over the next two years, even before any new pay award is added.

The affordability challenge is particularly acute in London, where schools often face higher staffing costs and greater difficulty retaining experienced teachers.

• SEND costs are expected to rise by £880 million over two years
• London schools often face higher recruitment costs
• Many schools have already used reserves to balance budgets
• No additional funding for the teacher pay rise has yet been confirmed

How Would the Proposed Teacher Pay Rise Affect Teachers in London and Across England?

Teachers in London are likely to feel the impact of the teacher pay rise 2026/27 more strongly than those in many other areas. Living costs in the capital remain significantly higher, and many schools already struggle to recruit and retain teachers.

Even where London weighting applies, some teachers argue that salaries no longer reflect housing costs, travel expenses and inflation. A small increase in 2026/27 could therefore do little to ease the pressure.

I recently spoke to a secondary school teacher in East London while researching this article. She explained that many colleagues are increasingly questioning whether they can stay in the profession.

“I love teaching, but after rent, travel and bills, there is very little left at the end of the month. A 1% or 2% rise would not make a meaningful difference,” she said.

The issue is not limited to London. Schools across England continue to report recruitment shortages in subjects such as maths, science and modern languages. If the final pay award is seen as too low, retention problems could become worse.

Why Are Teaching Unions Criticising the 2026/27 Pay Proposal?

Teaching unions have reacted strongly to the DfE proposal because they believe it fails to match inflation and years of lost earnings.

The National Education Union (NEU), NASUWT and other organisations argue that teacher pay has fallen significantly in real terms since 2010.

Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the NEU, said teachers have already experienced a 23% cut in earnings against inflation over the last 15 years. Union leaders believe another small increase would further damage recruitment and morale.

“The government cannot continue to ask schools to do more with less,” said Daniel Kebede. “To call this a manageable ask is not only ludicrous but insulting.”

Unions are also concerned that the proposed teacher pay rise 2026/27 may not be fully funded. If schools are expected to cover the cost themselves, some may have to reduce staffing, cut support services or postpone other spending.

How Does the Proposed 2026/27 Teacher Pay Rise Compare With Previous Years?

The current debate looks very different when compared with the 2025/26 pay award, which was already confirmed at 4%. Many teachers had hoped that a similar or higher figure would follow in 2026/27.

The Confirmed 2025/26 Teacher Pay Award

The 4% increase for 2025/26 was viewed as a positive step after several years of below-inflation settlements. However, teachers argue that it still did not fully reverse earlier losses.

Has Teacher Pay Kept Pace With Inflation?

Teacher pay has not kept pace with inflation over the past decade. Although recent awards have been larger, many teachers still feel financially worse off than they were several years ago.

This is one reason why unions are pushing for a larger rise in 2026/27. They argue that without a meaningful correction, the profession will continue to struggle to attract new staff.

What Role Does the School Teachers’ Review Body Play in Deciding Pay?

The STRB is an independent body responsible for reviewing teacher pay in England. Each year, it receives evidence from the DfE, teaching unions, school leaders and other organisations.

The process usually follows four stages:

• The DfE submits its proposed pay award
• Unions and employers provide their own evidence
• The STRB reviews the information and makes a recommendation
• The government decides whether to accept or change the recommendation

Although the government often accepts the STRB’s advice, it is not legally required to do so. That means the final teacher pay rise 2026/27 could still be lower or higher than the current proposal.

When is the Final Teacher Pay Rise for 2026/27 Likely to Be Announced?

Most teacher pay awards are announced during the summer, usually between June and July, before the new academic year begins in September.

That means teachers, school leaders and local authorities are likely to receive more clarity within the next few months. However, if the government delays its decision, schools may face greater uncertainty when planning budgets and staffing for September 2026.

The timing matters because many schools are already setting budgets for the next academic year. Without knowing the likely teacher pay rise, some may delay recruitment or make more cautious spending decisions.

What Happens Next if the Government Approves or Changes the Teacher Pay Proposal?

The next step is for the STRB to publish its recommendation. The government will then decide whether to accept the suggested increase, alter it or spread it differently across the three years.

Several outcomes remain possible. The government could approve a small rise for 2026/27 and larger increases later, matching the DfE proposal. It could also provide additional funding to schools to make a higher award affordable.

However, if the final decision is lower than unions expect, further industrial action cannot be ruled out. The debate over teacher pay rise 2026/27 is therefore likely to remain a major issue for schools, unions and ministers throughout the year.

Conclusion

The teacher pay rise 2026/27 remains uncertain, with no final figure yet confirmed. While the DfE has proposed a 6.5% increase over three years, school funding pressures mean only a 2.7% rise over the next two years currently appears affordable.

The final outcome will depend on the STRB’s recommendation and the government’s decision later in 2026.

Whatever is announced, the debate highlights wider concerns about recruitment, retention and whether teacher salaries in England are keeping pace with inflation and the rising cost of living.

FAQs About Teacher Pay Rise 2026/27

Could support staff receive a different pay rise from teachers in 2026/27?

Yes. School support staff are covered by separate pay negotiations. A 3.3% increase has already been proposed for support staff from April 2026.

Will academies have to follow the same teacher pay award?

Academies are not legally required to follow national teacher pay scales, but most choose to do so in practice.

Could there be teacher strikes if the pay offer is rejected?

There is a possibility of further industrial action if unions believe the final pay award is too low or unfunded.

Why is London weighting important in the teacher pay debate?

London weighting provides additional pay for teachers in the capital to reflect higher living costs. Many teachers argue it no longer goes far enough.

How much would a 1% increase in teacher pay cost schools nationally?

According to DfE estimates, each additional 1% increase would cost around £330 million nationally.

Are teacher pay rises fully funded by the government?

Not always. In recent years, schools have often been expected to find part of the money from existing budgets.

Could the final 2026/27 pay rise be lower or higher than the DfE proposal?

Yes. The final figure depends on the STRB recommendation and the government’s response.