The School Teachers’ Review Body (STRB) published its recommendations on 22 May 2025, proposing a 4% uplift to all teacher pay ranges, allowances, and advisory points, effective from 1 September 2025. These proposals are now included in the draft STPCD, with final ratification expected by 18 July 2025. While nothing is guaranteed, it is highly likely the final version will confirm the current proposals, as has been the case in previous years.
Implementation options for academies and trusts
Maintained schools must follow local authority direction in respect of applying the pay award. However, academies and trusts have autonomy to choose how to proceed: Option 1 –
Apply if Ratified: We will apply the uplift from the first payroll month available (in accordance with the deadlines below) after ratification. Option 2 –
Apply Irrespective of Ratification: We will apply the uplift from the first available payroll month following your instruction (in accordance with the deadlines below), even if the STPCD has not yet been ratified. These options are available via the Pay Award Surveys now live on the EPM Portal. Please ensure your submission reflects your preferred route.
Notification deadlines
To ensure timely application of the award, please submit your decision by the 1st of the month prior to the payroll month in which you want it applied.
Month you want the award applied
Deadline to notify EPM
September 2025
1 August 2025
October 2025
1 September 2025
November 2025
1 October 2025
December 2025
1 November 2025
(and so on)
1st of the prior month
Please do not confirm the expected pay award date to staff until we have confirmed the finalised payroll schedule with you.
EPM support
Please complete the Teaching Staff Pay Award Survey on the EPM Portal under the Pay Award tab. If applicable, you should also complete a survey for Leadership Pay. If you have any queries about the pay award or implementation process, please contact your named EPM Adviser via the Portal homepage.