Upper pay range (UPR): application process and criteria

Find out the requirements under the STPCD for applying to progress to the UPR. Get tips to help you develop an application process that's fair and transparent, and download our template application form for your teachers to use when applying.

Last reviewed on 25 October 2023
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School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 9355
Contents
  1. Requirements under the STPCD
  2. Developing your application process 
  3. Download our template application form 
  4. Example from a school: developing the application process
  5. Examples from schools: UPR criteria
  6. Examples from schools: UPR application form

Requirements under the STPCD

The School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD) applies to teachers in maintained schools, and teachers whose employment transferred to an academy at the point of conversion. If you're in an academy, check your pay policy to see if your teachers have to meet any specific expectations. 

The STPCD doesn't detail what specific activities or additional responsibilities are needed for a teacher to progress to the upper pay range (UPR). Instead, on page 22 it requires the 'relevant body' to be satisfied that the: 

1. Teacher is highly competent in all elements of the relevant standards 

Download our tool to help teachers assess their skills against the Teachers' Standards and the latest thinking on the skills needed for effective teaching and learning. 

We worked with David New and Nina Siddall-Ward, our associate education experts, to produce this template.

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