Teacher Benefits

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Do teachers in Scotland get a pension?

Yes, all teachers in Scotland qualify for pension benefits. At the moment there are two occupational pension schemes for Scottish teachers:

  1. The Scottish Teachers’ Superannuation Scheme (STSS)
  2. The Scottish Teachers’ Pension Scheme 2015 (STPS 2015)

The pension pays out based on career earnings. Teachers are enrolled automatically when they start their first teaching role. Both schemes can be opted out of if you prefer using a private pension instead. The schemes are run by the Scottish Public pensions agency.

SPPA is also responsible for scheme regulations and for all the administrative tasks required to serve over 73,000 active members, more than 21,000 deferred members and over 79,000 pensioners and dependents.

"Although I had been at the school for 8 years, I don’t think I would have even been considered for the role of headteacher if I hadn’t been on the course. Doing the Into Headship programme has been the best decision I have made and the best experience I have had! Through attending the programme, I have met so many headteachers and aspiring headteachers and together we are open and honest with each other, we all share advice."Shelley McLaren – Headteacher at Craigroyston Community High School
Shelley-McLaren

How much do Scottish teachers pay for their pensions?

The contributions are based on teacher’s ‘pensionable pay’ and are between 7.2% to 11.9%. The amount you contribute is dependent on your salary. Your employer pays 23% of your pensionable income towards the pension. The contribution to your pension are also tax-free.

Are there other benefits of a teaching pension?

There are a range of benefits to a teaching pension, such as access to a tax-free lump sum when you retire, benefits for your loved ones when you die, and the entitlement to an ill-health pension if you are unable to work. Visit the SPPC page on scheme benefits to find out more.

If you’re considering changing careers you might want to check with the SPPA if your current pension is eligible to merge into the Scottish Teachers’ Pension Scheme.