Getting a teaching job : Offers and salary

You may be asked at some point in the interview if you are still interested in the role. If you have decided you do not want the job, it is best to say so.

If your interview includes other activities and so lasts a full day, you may find out at the end of the day whether you have been successful. Otherwise the school will usually contact you over the next day or so to let you know of their decision.

Think carefully before you accept or decline the position and if you have other interviews lined up that you wish to attend, ask if you can have more time to make your decision. Bear in mind, however, that the school may give a time limit on getting your answer so that they do not lose their second choice candidate should you decline.

After you have accepted an offer, you should receive a written confirmation of appointment, which should also confirm your starting salary point. You should then reply in writing to accept the offer. You may also wish to ask if you can visit the school again before you take up your post so that you can make some advance preparations.

Salary

Newly qualified teachers (NQTs) in England and Wales working in state-maintained schools generally start their careers on the first point of the main pay scale. Conditions and salaries in academies and city technologies may be different. The entry salary for the main pay scale in England and Wales is:

• £21,588 (excluding London);
• £22,626 (London fringe);
• £25,117 (Outer London);
• £27,000 (Inner London).

(Source: Teachers' pay scales 2010-2011, National Union of Teachers)

The government has annouced its intention to freeze teachers' pay in 2011-12 at 2010-11 levels, but this should be minitored nearer the time.

NQTs with some previous relevant experience may sometimes be placed on a higher point on the scale. If you feel you have grounds to negotiate the starting salary, it may be best to do so before you accept the position.

The following organisations provide up-to-date information on salaries and pay progression:

• NASUWT (National Association of Schoolmasters and Union of Women Teachers)  
• National Union of Teachers (NUT)  
• Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL)  

Debriefing

If you are not successful at interview, you may be given some feedback on your performance. It is worth asking for this if it is not offered. This will enable you to improve your performance for next time. Schools will often offer the debriefing over the telephone, which allows you to make notes of what is being said so you can reflect on it afterwards.