Salary - job offers v different - state & private

[CalypsoLizard]

Name changed for this!

I've been offered two primary jobs. I have taught for 6 years now post pgce. I ended up leaving my lovely previous school this summer due to a forced house move for DH's job.

It involves me going from a London prep to a state (my choice - although may rethink based on this!)

I am really shocked at the salary differences on the job offers:

Current salary from my long term job (class teacher, DDSL and RSE lead at a private rec-year 8 prep, London weighting - £50k p/a

Maternity cover class teacher including taking on their maths subject lead in a state primary, London fringe - equivalent of £35k p/a

A permanent post offer starting after October half term as a head of lower ks2 and class teacher, London fringe state primary school - £38k p/a

I know London weighting can add around £5k but I'm quite shocked at the differences. I was often told private don't pay as well and it has been a few years since I left state so I just assumed going back wouldn't be an issue pay wise. I was keen to go back to state but now am wondering if I could get more like £45k in a private school to keep some parity to my current salary.

If anyone doesn't mind sharing, I'd love to know the 'norm' or others' experiences of this?

I think Independent Schools which are financially sound often offer higher pay than local maintained schools. They expect a lot for it though in terms of support for open days/co-curricular etc, but am sure you're already aware of that!

The big consideration in going from state > private or the other way round just at the moment, would be pensions I imagine? I know a lot of private schools are thinking about withdrawing from TPS, which may allow more pay in the immediate term, but of course may have a big impact on retirement depending on the alternative pension they offer?

I"m in the South East but not in the London weighting area. I earn the same money as a 'line' classroom teacher in a state school as I did in a HoD role in a small-ish private school. I also recently got offered another job in a small private school and again, the money was bloody terrible! However, I have friends teaching in schools that are bigger hitters (reasonably well known schools with boarding, international students etc) that get paid absolutely loads more than they would in the state sector.

The thing with the private sector is a) they're so variable in what they pay b) you can negotiate on your offer. In state, it's pay scales and negotations while possible are limited. There are pros and cons but in your shoes, you've taken a big pay cut and you might want to look around at the private sector. I think, however, that London schools pay a lot more than elsewhere.

Oh and I do agree with @TwitterTwatterofTinyMinds - my last independent school did not pay into TPS, and the school I was recently offered a job at had recently pulled out. Going back into the TPS is part of the draw back to state for me at the moment as I have gaps from being overseas.

Thanks. Good points. My current school paid TPS so I think it is ok moving to state in terms of that.

I am looking out for 'bigger name' private school jobs in the area. My current head suggested going for assistant head pastoral type roles too so may try that.

I need to get back on the maternity job tomorrow as I asked for 24 hrs to think. While it's a job and ties me over until Christmas, I am tempted to negotiate to drop the maths role but keep the 35k- which seems a reasonable salary for 7 years since I came into the profession! Unsure if they'll go for it though. I assume this is better than supply rates. There is the option of tutoring too.

Yeah I'd take the mat cover to tide you over while you look around. I think you'd be resentful of the salary that comes with the second job.
You have more wiggle room with getting a better salary in private but it's finding the schools with money! Many of the smaller ones where I am are operating on tight margins and the pay reflects that. I got used to checking out the charity commission website when I was job hunting to see how these schools are faring - I turned an offer down partly based on the fact that company's house showed they are spending more than they are taking in - results in poor salary and lack of security.

Thanks! Really useful advice re charity commission website.

Now slightly frustrated we decided to make the move right out of London rather than half way - my commute into the city to continue my old job would probably be worth the money! It all happened very quickly so I rushed to resign with covid thoughts that living in the country would be a better lifestyle cost of living/property isn't much less where we are now than where we were in London where I could walk to work!!