The Career clinic is now closed. Please visit the Jobseekers forum http://community.tes.co.uk/tes_jobseekers/f/77.aspx for advice from TheoGriff but remember to include "Dear Theo" in the subject.
The vast majority of state schools are still tied in to school teachers' pay and conditions and so cannot pay on less than you are entitled; a few independent schools are not and might do so, however.
I wonder why you are not applying for head of department posts where NQTs are not in competition for the vacancy. If you work in a school covered by the Pay & Conditions Document you may not move down the scale from UPS2. However, in academies, free schools and the private sector you can possibly negotiate a salary that could involve a reduction in pay but it might affect your pension.
John Howson
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