Independent into state pay scales

[POLLY95]

Hello. I have been teaching for about three years (with QTS). I am thinking of applying for a job in a grammar school. I have never worked in the state sector. I know there is a fixed pay scale, looking at which my current job is roughly about point 5. Can I expect to move onto the equivalent scale point if I were to move from independent to state, or would I have to start from the bottom rung and move up?

And insights would be appreciated. Thank you.

Assuming that you have completed your statutory ECT induction period it’s very unlikely you would be put on M1. After three years’ experience in state schools you would expect to be on M3 or M4 so you could ask for M5 but there are no guarantees. Of course if you teach a shortage subject you will be in a much stronger position to negotiate.

Default would be M4 for 4 years of teaching, but if they really want you, then you could ask them for M5 to match your current pay, or even M6 to match next year's pay progression.

Which subject is it, and how many vacancies are there for it in your area currently?