Pay progression

All teachers below the maximum of the main or upper pay range are entitled to be considered for pay progression every year. 

NEU pressure has helped to ensure that pay progression is still the norm, but NEU surveys have revealed that it is a problem for some teachers. As with other pay issues, it is essential that members act collectively to support pay progression in the school.

In Wales, PRP has been abolished in favour of experience-related pay progression and national pay scales for Wales have been implemented. The advice below relates to the position in England where PRP has not yet been abolished. Members in Wales should refer to the separate teacher pay arrangements in STPCD Wales. 

All teachers below the maximum of the main or upper pay range are entitled to be considered for pay progression every year - it is not an application process. 

Teachers in Wales should progress on the pay scale automatically unless subject to the capability procedure. 

The NEU advice and guidance will be updated when the 2023-24 School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document is published, but please note that the key points from the NEU advice and guidance documents remain valid.

Woman in conversation with a man

Securing pay progression

Steering a course through your appraisal and the pay decision process to ensure you can secure pay progression.

Man and woman talking

Pay progression for school leaders

This advice covers those school leaders who are subject to the school teachers’ pay and conditions document (STPCD) provisions regarding leadership group pay and those whose academies apply the STPCD arrangements to them.

Pay progression appeal

Pay decisions should be based on appraisal outcomes and standards for progression set out in the school pay policy. If you are denied progression, you have the right to appeal.

Resources for reps and officers

The burden of performance related pay video

Removing the burden of performance related pay

Share our performance related pay video on Facebook and Twitter NEU has worked with Northern Education Trust to end the use of Performance Related Pay, meaning teachers now get pay progression automatically and their pay rise is not linked to appraisal targets.

Want more help or advice on how to secure pay progression at your workplace?

Your first point of contact for advice and support from the union should be your National Education Union workplace representative. Alternatively, you can contact your branch or district. 

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