Teachers salary

[Kathy0965]

Hi I have a break from teaching after 23 years for past 3 years. When I left teaching I was on UPS 3 in an independent school. I have recently been offered a job in a school but the offer on my letter says M5 of scale (salary 22/23) has been stated. I thought I would get paid M6 due to my previous experienced. I have replied to school asking the question why M5 and not M6. Is there any reason why I may have been offered a pay drop? The advert said M1 to UPS1. Thanks in advance.

Because they can?
I hate that pay portability has been scrapped - schools can offer you whatever you like now! I've even heard of schools finding two candidates they like and seeing who will accept the lower salary! I think you are perfectly within your rights to ask for the highest salary that was offered, with 23 years experience for goodness sake! The question will be whether you're prepared to walk away if they say no.
Teacher salaries are rubbish enough without this kind of stuff - I'm sorry you're going through this.

Gove the wanker scrapped pay portability 😡

As PP said, schools will now see how little they can get away with paying. It's appalling, and I'm sorry it's happening to you.

I left a school at UPS3 and was lucky to get MA6 on a maternity cover. It's taken nearly two years to get to UPS1 again. But I am happier.

There is a teacher shortage at the moment, obviously how much impact that has on a particular role will vary, but I’d be tempted to push for M6. Was it not discussed at interview?

If it says to UPS 1 I would say that's the salary you need to be able to accept the job and put the ball in their court. Who were they going to give the UPS 1 to if not someone whose previously been on UPS3??

School budgets are really stretched, so some schools will try to make the lowest offer they can get away with. Assuming it's for a January start, they are probably desperate to have you, so I'd definitely push for M6 as a minimum.

You're very likely to be more able to find another job compared to them being able to find another experienced member of staff for a January start.