Upper Pay Scale (UPS) Progression
Know your eligibility. Understand the process.
A clear guide to progression to UPS 2 and UPS 3 from 1 September 2026 — who is eligible, how decisions are made, how to appeal, and the key documents.
The Department of Education has issued guidance to governors and principals on the arrangements agreed for the movement of eligible teachers to points 2 and 3 of the Upper Pay Scale from 1 September 2026.
The guidance should be read in the context of the statutory responsibilities of Boards of Governors and principals for teachers' salaries. It is important that teachers are confident that decisions on progression are arrived at in a fair, consistent, transparent and evidence-based manner.
Who is eligible for UPS 2?
- Teachers in post on 1 September 2026
- who moved to UPS 1 on or before 1 September 2024
- and have completed at least 26 weeks in aggregate of satisfactory service in the past 12 months.
Who is eligible for UPS 3?
- Teachers in post on 1 September 2026
- who moved to UPS 2 on or before 1 September 2024
- and have completed at least 26 weeks in aggregate of satisfactory service in the past 12 months.
Your Questions Answered
The arrangements are the same for movement to UPS 2 and UPS 3
The principal, in approving the movement of an eligible teacher, needs to ensure the teacher was placed on UPS 1 (for movement to UPS 2) or UPS 2 (for movement to UPS 3) on or before 1 September 2024.
In most cases the decision will be based on the performance of the eligible teacher over the previous two years (2024/25 and 2025/26). The decision to progress an eligible teacher up the UPS must be taken by the principal.
PRSD Review Statements for the 2024/25 and 2025/26 academic years should be used, along with other evidence as required. If there is not one available for either year, the most recent one within the past five years should be used. Other evidence from the teacher can continue to be submitted.
There is no centrally administered application process and no standard application form for teachers to complete. Decisions on progression are taken in the school by the principal, and it is important that the principal makes clear to all teachers the process used to inform their decision-making.
Teachers who are not approved for progression may appeal under the appeals mechanism within their school's salary policy. Grievance procedures should not be used for appeals against pay decisions.
Documents
Guidance and multiple entry forms from the Department of Education
- Guidance for Pay Progression for Teachers – Movement to UPS 2 from September 2026
- Multiple Entry TR268 (UPS 2)
- Guidance for Pay Progression for Teachers – Movement to UPS 3 from September 2026
- Multiple Entry TR268 (UPS 3)
Source: Department of Education – Upper Pay Scale (UPS) progression

