Teachers' Pay (Hansard, 18 January 2002)

§ Mr. Timms

A newly qualified teacher in England and Wales with a second class honours degree or above currently starts at point two of the main scale on £17,001 pa. Others start on £16,038 pa. Schools may start teachers higher up the scale to recognise any other experience they consider relevant. Teachers working in inner London receive an extra £3,000 pa; those in outer London receive an extra £1,974 pa and those on the fringe receive an extra £765 pa. All teachers receive a pay increase in April of each year when the pay scales are revalorised. In the early part of their career, teachers will also receive an increment in September when, subject to satisfactory performance, they move up one point on the main qualified teachers' pay scale. Schools have discretion to advance excellent performers by two points in any year. Later in their career, any further pay advancement can be justified only by excellent performance or promotion.

As a result of the performance threshold system and other pay improvements, good experienced teachers in England and Wales have received an extra 25 per cent. in pay since 1997. This is 17 per cent. in real terms. We have established a new upper pay spine for teachers with a maximum of £31,128. The maximum pay for the advanced skills teacher grade we have introduced is £44,571. Our school leaders can now earn up to £78,783.

Teachers' pay in England and Wales is based on recommendations made by the independent School Teachers' Review Body (STRB). They are shortly due to publish their report detailing their recommendations for 2002–03. My right hon. Friend will consult key stakeholders before implementing any changes. Scotland and Northern Ireland are responsible for their own pay arrangements for their teachers.