How supply pay is calculated, and why it differs from permanent pay
There's no guaranteed salary, no automatic progression, and — depending on how you're employed — no TPS contribution. The daily rate is derived from the standard scale using the official STPCD formula:
195 is the number of directed teaching days in a standard school year (190 teaching days + 5 INSET days) — it's not an estimate, it's the official figure schools employing supply teachers directly are expected to apply.
| Point | Annual salary | Daily rate (÷195) |
|---|---|---|
| M1 | £32,916 | £168.80 |
| M2 | £34,823 | £178.58 |
| M3 | £37,101 | £190.26 |
| M4 | £39,556 | £202.85 |
| M5 | £42,057 | £215.68 |
| M6 | £45,352 | £232.57 |
| U1 | £47,472 | £243.45 |
| U2 | £49,232 | £252.47 |
| U3 | £51,048 | £261.78 |
If your agency or school quotes a rate below your spine point equivalent, use this as the benchmark for negotiation.
Direct employment vs agency — the fundamental difference
Directly employed supply teachers are paid by the school at the STPCD rate, enrolled in the TPS, and accrue employment rights from day one — the best financial arrangement, but increasingly rare.
Agency supply teachers are employed by the agency, which is paid a daily rate by the school and passes on a portion, retaining the difference as margin. Most agency teachers receive a lower rate than STPCD, no TPS pension, and terms set by the agency contract rather than the Burgundy Book — see our maternity and redundancy calculators for how those Burgundy Book terms work for directly employed teachers.
Typical agency margins are 15–30% of the charge rate. On an M3 daily rate of £190.26, an agency charging the school £235 and paying the teacher £175 retains £60/day — about 25.5%, or £12,000/year on a full-year contract.
The pension difference: direct employment vs agency
This is the largest long-term financial gap between the two routes. A directly employed teacher on M3 (£37,101) receives an employer TPS contribution of ≈£10,643/year. An agency teacher on NEST at the 3% statutory minimum receives just ≈£1,113/year — a gap of £9,530/year in employer pension contributions alone, before accounting for TPS being defined benefit versus NEST being defined contribution. For a full projection of what TPS contributions are worth over a longer career, use our pension calculator.
The agency margin — the number most supply teachers never see
The gap between what the school pays the agency and what you receive is rarely disclosed. This calculator's optional agency margin input shows what the school pays per day, what you receive, what the agency retains, and the margin as a percentage — the only tool that shows this figure.
Planning your income across the school year
| Term | Typical length | Working days (5/week) |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn | 15 weeks | 75 days |
| Spring | 12 weeks | 60 days |
| Summer | 13 weeks | 65 days |
| Full year | 39 weeks | 195 days |
Autumn is typically the most consistent for supply demand; summer term the least, especially once exam classes finish. The annual projection assumes every available day is worked — in practice this is a ceiling, not a guarantee.
Supply teachers in Scotland and Wales
Scottish supply teachers use SNCT scales with the same daily-rate logic, Scottish income tax, and the STSS pension rather than TPS — see our Scotland calculator. Welsh supply teachers follow the Welsh STPCD with the same 195-day divisor — see our Wales calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What daily rate should I be paid as a supply teacher?
If directly employed, your annual spine point salary ÷ 195. For M3 outside London that's £190.26/day. Agency teachers typically receive less, since the agency retains a margin.
Why is 195 used in the calculation?
195 directed teaching days (190 teaching + 5 INSET) is the official STPCD figure for daily pay — not a convention. Some sources use 190 or 260, but 195 gives the correct STPCD result.
Do supply teachers get Teachers' Pension contributions?
Only if directly employed — you'd get the full 28.68% employer contribution. Agency teachers typically get no TPS, sometimes NEST at the 3% statutory minimum — a gap of roughly £9,500/year on a full-year contract.
How do I find out what my agency is charging the school?
Agencies aren't required to disclose it, though some school business managers will share it. Under the Agency Workers Regulations 2010 you're entitled to equal pay after 12 weeks, unless your contract uses the 'Swedish Derogation' — check for that term.
Can I negotiate my daily rate with an agency?
Yes, particularly for shortage subjects or long-term placements. Use the STPCD rate for your spine point as your negotiation anchor.
Do I pay income tax and NI as a supply teacher?
Yes, through PAYE in the normal way. Irregular income can mean an emergency tax code if you work for multiple agencies — check each payslip.
Is supply teaching covered by the Burgundy Book?
Directly employed supply teachers whose contracts reference it, yes. Agency supply teachers are covered by their agency contract instead, and typically miss out on Burgundy Book sick pay, maternity pay and redundancy terms.