SOC 2317 Teaching and other educational professionals

Teachers of English as a foreign language Salary

Salary data from ONS ASHE. Some figures may be unavailable due to small sample sizes.

For teachers of english as a foreign language, £37,514 is the typical (median) pay. That is around the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -4.0% versus the national average.

About this role

Teachers of English as a foreign language plan, deliver and assess teaching to students, developing subject knowledge, skills and capabilities. They create learning environments, track student progress and contribute to curriculum development and departmental activities.

Key responsibilities

Planning and delivering lessons, lectures or seminars
Assessing student work and providing constructive feedback
Developing curriculum content and learning materials
Supporting student welfare and pastoral care
Engaging in continuing professional development and, in higher education, research

Qualifications and entry routes

School teaching requires a degree plus QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) via PGCE or equivalent. Higher education typically requires a PhD and research track record. FE teaching requires a Level 5 teaching qualification.

Career outlook

Ongoing recruitment challenges, particularly in STEM subjects, languages and special educational needs. Retention is a significant sector concern.

Key skills

Subject expertise Communication and presentation Classroom management Assessment and feedback Adaptability

Common industries

Primary education
Secondary education
Further education
Higher education
Special educational needs

Data coverage

SOC code 2317

Data source ONS ASHE

Years available 2021–2025

Median Salary

N/A

Mean Salary

£32,926

Jobs (000s)

N/A

Data Years

5 years

Salary Trend (2021-2025)

Adjust for inflation

Teachers of English as a foreign language salary: common questions

How much do teachers of english as a foreign language earn in the UK?

Teachers of English as a foreign language earn a median of £37,514 a year (ONS ASHE 2025).

Is £37,514 a good salary in the UK?

For teachers of english as a foreign language, £37,514 is the typical (median) pay. That is around the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -4.0% versus the national average.

Have teachers of english as a foreign language salaries kept up with inflation?

Since 2021, median teachers of english as a foreign language pay has risen from £25,924 to £37,514 — +45% in cash terms, or +17% after CPIH inflation. That is ahead of inflation over the period.

Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025).