Teachers in Kenya's public primary schools move through eight grades, from Primary Teacher II at T-Scale 5 up to Senior Head Teacher at T-Scale 11. This guide sets out each title, what it means and what the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) requires before a teacher can be promoted to it.
The grades come from TSC's Career Progression Guidelines, which took effect on 8 November 2017 and replaced the earlier Schemes of Service. They are also being revised, as explained near the end.
Primary teacher grades at a glance
| Title | T-Scale | Job group | Minimum time in the grade below |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Teacher II | 5 | B5 | Entry grade |
| Primary Teacher I | 6 | C1 | 3 years as Primary Teacher II |
| Senior Teacher II | 7 | C2 | 3 years as Primary Teacher I |
| Senior Teacher I | 8 | C3 | 3 years as Senior Teacher II |
| Deputy Head Teacher II | 9 | C4 | 3 years as Senior Teacher I |
| Deputy Head Teacher I | 10 | C5 | 3 years as Deputy Head Teacher II |
| Head Teacher | 10 | C5 | 3 years as Deputy Head Teacher II |
| Senior Head Teacher | 11 | D1 | 3 years as Head Teacher or Deputy Head Teacher I |
Deputy Head Teacher I and Head Teacher share T-Scale 10. Both are reached from Deputy Head Teacher II, but they are separate posts with different duties.
What every promotion requires
From Primary Teacher I upward, TSC applies the same core conditions, plus the grade-specific ones below:
- A satisfactory rating in the performance appraisal process.
- Successful completion of the relevant Teacher Professional Development (TPD) modules.
- A valid Teaching Certificate.
- Meeting the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution (leadership and integrity).
- Any other requirement the Commission may set.
Promotion is also subject to a funded vacancy in the approved establishment. From Senior Teacher II upward it is competitive, so meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee a promotion.
Primary Teacher II – T-Scale 5
This is the entry grade for primary school teachers. To qualify, you need:
- A Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) mean grade of C (Plain) or an equivalent qualification.
- A Primary Teacher Education (PTE) certificate or an approved equivalent.
- Registration as a teacher and a valid Teaching Certificate.
- Compliance with Chapter Six of the Constitution and any other requirement TSC sets.
Primary Teacher I – T-Scale 6
This is the first promotional grade for classroom teachers. You need three years as Primary Teacher II, a satisfactory appraisal rating, the relevant TPD modules, a valid Teaching Certificate and demonstrated mastery of classroom management, along with the Chapter Six requirement.
Senior Teacher II – T-Scale 7
This grade is the entry point to the administrative cadre. Promotion is competitive and depends on vacancies. Requirements:
- Three years as Primary Teacher I.
- A satisfactory appraisal rating and the relevant TPD modules.
- Demonstrated ability to supervise, mentor and support other teachers.
- A valid Teaching Certificate and Chapter Six compliance.
Senior Teacher I – T-Scale 8
This is a promotional grade for institutional administrators in primary schools. Promotion is competitive and depends on vacancies. Requirements are the same as for Senior Teacher II, with three years served as Senior Teacher II.
Deputy Head Teacher II – T-Scale 9
Deputy Head Teachers report to the Head Teacher and are expected to know how the curriculum, education policies and programmes are developed and implemented. Promotion is competitive and depends on vacancies. Requirements:
- Three years as Senior Teacher I.
- A satisfactory appraisal rating and the relevant TPD modules.
- A valid Teaching Certificate.
- Demonstrated ability to supervise, mentor and support other teachers.
- Chapter Six compliance.
Deputy Head Teacher I – T-Scale 10
This grade has the same reporting line and expected knowledge as Deputy Head Teacher II, and promotion is again competitive. You need three years as Deputy Head Teacher II, plus the same appraisal, TPD, certificate, mentoring and Chapter Six requirements.
Head Teacher – T-Scale 10
The Head Teacher is the lead educator and the school's accounting officer. The role covers leadership in implementing the curriculum and education policies, developing the school's strategy, work plans and budget, and supervising school operations. Requirements:
- Three years as Deputy Head Teacher II.
- A Bachelor of Education degree or an equivalent qualification.
- A satisfactory appraisal rating and the relevant TPD modules.
- Demonstrated ability to supervise, mentor and support other teachers.
- A valid Teaching Certificate and Chapter Six compliance.
Senior Head Teacher – T-Scale 11
This is the top grade for primary school administrators, with the same lead educator and accounting officer role as a Head Teacher. Requirements:
- Three years as Head Teacher or Deputy Head Teacher I.
- A Bachelor of Education degree or an equivalent qualification.
- A satisfactory appraisal and/or performance-contracting rating.
- The relevant TPD modules and a valid Teaching Certificate.
- Demonstrated ability to supervise, mentor and support other teachers, plus Chapter Six compliance.
Applying for promotion in 2026/27
For the 2026/27 financial year, TSC has issued updated promotion guidelines and scoresheets. Teachers must have served at least three years in their current grade, and applications for advertised vacancies are made online through the Teachers Online Services (TOS) platform, with manual applications not accepted. The guidelines warn that false information leads to disqualification and may attract disciplinary action. Promotions depend on the budget, staff attrition and vacancies in the approved establishment.
A revised framework is on the way
TSC and the teachers' unions signed an agreement in June 2026 on revised Career Progression Guidelines. Reported proposals include separate tracks for classroom teachers and administrators, and a shorter route to the highest grade (from about 30 years to 18). Reports also say primary teachers would start at a new foundation grade, which would change how the T-Scales above are labeled. The details and the start date for any new structure should be confirmed with TSC before you plan your own career path around them.
Frequently asked questions
Do Head Teachers and Deputy Head Teachers I share a T-Scale?
Yes, both are at T-Scale 10, but they are separate posts.
Do I need a degree to become a Head Teacher?
Yes. The guidelines require a Bachelor of Education degree or an equivalent qualification for Head Teacher and Senior Head Teacher.
How long must I wait between grades?
The minimum is three years in your current grade, though actual promotion also depends on vacancies and competition.