The Northern Ireland Teachers' Council confirmed the 4% pay rise for 2025–26 had been accepted by the five main teaching unions. The increase will be backdated to 1 September 2025 and applies to all teachers across the region.
A teacher at the bottom of the pay scale, earning £31,650, will receive a rise to £32,916. The top of the scale, currently £48,919, will increase to £50,876. For most teachers, the rise equates to between £1,000 and £2,000 annually before tax.
The Department of Education expects to overspend its budget by more than £200m due to the pay increase. The cost of the rise is estimated at £38m for 2025–26 and £65m per year thereafter. First Minister Michelle O'Neill stated ministers face difficult choices over budget allocation.