I am unsure about pay scales. How do the upper pay scale and threshold work? Once you reach the end of the main scale, do you automatically go to the upper scale or do you have to go through the threshold (whatever that is)?

The main pay scale runs from the starting point at M1to point M6. When you get there, you can apply to go through the threshold, but if you don’t, you’ll remain at point 6 on the main scale (M6). If you pass the threshold assesment, you will move on to the upper pay scale.

At present, the movement up that scale happens every two years, subject to continued performance, to a maximum point of UPS3. There are now proposals to introduce an excellent teacher scheme to provide further pay incentives for excellence. Management allowances are treated separately.