From the FAQ:

"Only GEO 5 classroom teachers who have reached the maximum salary point of GEO 5 and met the performance criteria for promotion will be considered for promotion to GEO 5A.

Good-performing GEO 5 classroom teachers who are not at the maximum point of the GEO 5 salary range will not be eligible for promotion into GEO 5A as the GEO 5A subgrade is meant to provide a longer salary runway only for those who are already at the maximum salary point of GEO 5.

As per current practice, good-performing GEO 5 KPs who are eligible for promotion can progress directly to SEO 1."