Teachers set for biggest pay rise in fifteen years, government announces
Fully-qualified teachers outside of London will now start work earning a minimum of £25,714 - representing the biggest pay rise in the profession since 2005.
Teachers will enjoy the biggest pay rise “for a generation”, the government has confirmed today.
Following recommendations from the independent School Teachers’ Review Body, teacher starting salaries have been boosted by 5.5% – representing the largest pay increase for the profession since 2005.
Fully-qualified teachers outside of London will now start work earning a minimum of £25,714.
Teachers in inner London will earn at least £32,157.
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Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said the government wanted to “make teaching attractive to the most talented candidates by recognising the outstanding contribution teachers make to our society.”
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He added: “Inspirational teachers change millions of lives by giving our children the drive and desire to learn, and reforms to teacher training, early career support and teachers’ pay are key to the Government’s plans to improve school standards.”
The MP also confirmed that school funding in Britain will increase by 4% overall.
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The pay rises represent the first part of a plan to push teacher starting salaries to at least £30,000 by 2022/23.
Whilst the pay increase for new teachers was welcomed by members of the sector, the National Education Union (NEU) claimed that the Government needed to do more to ensure experienced teachers remained in schools.
“…the prospect of salaries tapering off as they progress through the profession means that progress made in recruiting teachers will not be sustained in retaining them,” said Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary.
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“It is already the case that 22% of teachers leave teaching within two years.”
She added: “NEU called for a fully-funded 7% increase in September and we reiterate this call.”
This week, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced that more than 900,000 public service workers across the UK would receive income bumps for their “vital contribution” during the pandemic.
According to the Treasury, funding is set to be taken from existing departmental budgets.
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Popular grassroots music festival to return to hidden Manchester street with new fringe events
Emily Sergeant
Manchester’s much-loved grassroots music festival is back next month, and this year, there’s some new fringe events too.
Set across a handful of popular venues up on Deansgate Mews – including The Lion’s Den, Low Four Studios and The Mews Bar – Deansgate Mews Festival is returning for its sixth year this late May bank holiday weekend.
More than 40 music artists will be performing on a mix of outdoor and intimate indoor stages.
But that’s not all, as in what’s set to be an exciting new chapter for 2026, the festival is expanding beyond its core programme with the launch of the first-ever Mews Fest Fringe too.
Popular grassroots music festival Mews Fest returns this late May bank holiday / Credit: Supplied
The inaugural Mews Fest Fringe will be hosted in a large unit within Great Northern Warehouse, which will be transformed into a ‘vibrant’ hub celebrating music, art and independent culture.
Designed as a platform for Manchester’s creative community, the festival space will welcome artists, designers, collectors, and creative entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their work while connecting with festival-goers.
At the Fringe event, you can expect everything from record sellers and vinyl collectors, to vintage clothes, arts and crafts makers, independent creatives, and even bands selling merchandise.
This year there’s also the addition of the Mews Fest Fringe / Credit: Supplied
Already known for its strong grassroots ethos and growing reputation, Mews Fest continues to champion local talent and independent culture – but now with the addition of the Fringe event, the stage is set for its most ‘ambitious and inclusive’ edition to date.
Oh and the best bit? Both festivals will be free to attend, with no need to book tickets beforehand.
Mews Fest and Mews Fest Fringe will take over Deansgate Mews next month on late May bank holiday weekend from Friday 22 – Monday 26 May.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Peter Kay announces four intimate charity shows in Greater Manchester – but only for these postcodes
Emily Sergeant
Peter Kay has just announced four intimate shows to raise money for a very worthy cause… but you can only get tickets if you live in these particular postcodes.
Comedy legend Peter Kay is set to return home to the Bolton Albert Halls for four very special hometown shows in this summer, marking his first performances at the venue more than two decades.
Taking to the very stage where he recorded the UK’s biggest-selling stand-up DVD, it’s set to be a proper nostalgic homecoming for one of Britain’s most beloved comedians.
The summer shows – which are taking place from 9 – 11 July 2026, even including a matinee performance – this is a rare chance for local fans to be part of something incredibly special, with all funds raised going to Bolton Hospice.
But, there’s a bit of a catch… you’ll only be able to get tickets if you live in Bolton (and some parts of Bury), as it’s strictly limited to BL postcodes.
Peter Kay Live at the Bolton Albert Halls – 2026 Dates
Thursday 9 July (Evening)
Friday 10 July (Evening)
Saturday 11 July (Matinee)
Saturday 11 July (Evening)
Tickets officially go on sale Friday 24 April at 10am, and you can get your hands on them here.
The Manc -
21st July 2020 
