SOC 2321 Teaching and other educational professionals

Head teachers and principals Salary

Median salary £70,977 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.

Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £71,000 after tax and National Insurance →

For head teachers and principals, £72,192 is the typical (median) pay. That is well above the UK full-time median of £39,039 — +85% versus the national average. Experienced head teachers and principals (top 25%) earn over £83,340.

About this role

Head teachers and principals plan, deliver and assess teaching to students, developing subject knowledge, skills and capabilities. They create learning environments, track student progress and contribute to curriculum development and departmental activities.

Key responsibilities

Planning and delivering lessons, lectures or seminars
Assessing student work and providing constructive feedback
Developing curriculum content and learning materials
Supporting student welfare and pastoral care
Engaging in continuing professional development and, in higher education, research

Qualifications and entry routes

School teaching requires a degree plus QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) via PGCE or equivalent. Higher education typically requires a PhD and research track record. FE teaching requires a Level 5 teaching qualification.

Career outlook

Ongoing recruitment challenges, particularly in STEM subjects, languages and special educational needs. Retention is a significant sector concern.

Key skills

Subject expertise Communication and presentation Classroom management Assessment and feedback Adaptability

Common industries

Primary education
Secondary education
Further education
Higher education
Special educational needs

Data coverage

SOC code 2321

Data source ONS ASHE

Years available 2021–2025

Estimated jobs 63,000

Median Salary

£70,977

Mean Salary

£71,776

Jobs (000s)

63k

Data Years

5 years

Salary Range (2025)

P25: £56,666Median: £70,977P75: £83,340

P10: £41kP25: £57kMedian: £71kP75: £83kP90: --

Estimated Career Progression

Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation

Entry Level

£41,346

0-2 years

Mid Level

£56,666

3-7 years

Senior

£83,340

8-15 years

Potential career growth: +102% from entry to leadership

Salary Trend (2021-2025)

Adjust for inflation

Nominal growth: +7.6%Real growth: -13.0%

Gender Pay Comparison (2025)

Gender pay gap: 13.5%

Full-time vs All Employees (2025)

All Employees

£70,977

Full-time Only

£72,192

Full-time premium: +£1,215

Head teachers and principals salary: common questions

How much do head teachers and principals earn in the UK?

Head teachers and principals earn a median of £72,192 a year (ONS ASHE 2025). The middle half earn between £56,666 and £83,340.

Is £72,192 a good salary in the UK?

What is the starting salary for head teachers and principals?

Entry-level head teachers and principals typically start near the lower end of the range. The bottom 25% earn up to £56,666, and the lowest-paid 10% earn under £41,346.

Have head teachers and principals salaries kept up with inflation?

Since 2021, median head teachers and principals pay has risen from £66,054 to £72,192 — +9.0% in cash terms, or -12% after CPIH inflation. That is behind inflation over the period.

Is there a gender pay gap for head teachers and principals?

Male head teachers and principals earn a median £77,299 and female head teachers and principals £66,860 — a gap of +14% in 2025.

Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025).