TLR payments: how much extra can teachers earn?

Teachers in state schools are usually paid according to the teaching pay scales, but your salary can be topped up with a teaching and learning responsibility (TLR) payment.

TLRs are paid if you’ve taken on added responsibility, such as becoming head of year or head of department. When you are paid a TLR, you receive an additional payment on top of your standard salary. 

Different types of TLRs

TLR payments fall into three categories. TLR1 and TLR2 payments are awarded to teachers undertaking sustained additional responsibility. TLR3 payments are awarded to teachers who are taking on a time-limited school improvement project or one-off responsibility.

• TLR1 payments range from £9,272 to £15,690
• TLR2 payments range from £3,214 to £7,847
• TLR3 payments range from £639 to £3,169

Do I qualify for a TLR payment?

To get a TLR2 payment, teachers have to show that they have a specific responsibility, which focuses on teaching and learning and needs professional skill and judgment. This responsibility must be one that exceeds that of the standard classroom teacher and it should be clearly defined in your job description.

Usually, teachers are promoted to a position with a TLR attached to it. When a job is advertised, the TLR payment will be stated in the advert.

In order to qualify for a larger TLR1 payment, you must meet all the criteria for TLR2 as well as being a line manager for a significant number of people.

It is not possible for a teacher to receive both a TLR1 and TLR2, but it is possible for a teacher to receive a TLR1 or TLR2 and a TLR3.

Will I also be given extra PPA time if I have a TLR?

If you have a TLR1 or 2, then schools will also give you extra planning, preparation and assessment (PPA) time in order to complete your role. The amount of extra PPA time you get will depend on the role and is down to the discretion of the school.

Special educational needs (SEN) allowances

Classroom teachers who teach pupils with special educational needs are entitled to an additional allowance.

Those who work in a special school, work in a post that requires a SEN qualification or teach pupils in designated special classes are entitled to an allowance.

SEN payments range from £2,539 to £5,009.