Head teachers and principals roles in the UK earn a median of £73,500 per year, equivalent to £42.71 per hour as of 2025. Pay increased 2.9% compared to the previous year. Regionally, pay ranges from £66,000 in South West to £84,500 in London. Pay has risen over the past 5 years. The ONS national median for this occupation is £72,192/yr (2% above our computed national average).
Median Annual Pay
£73,500
as of 2025
High confidenceMedian Hourly Pay
£42.71
per hour
Year-on-Year Change
+2.9%
vs 2024
Annual Pay Range
£55,500 – £91,500
25th – 75th percentile
There is currently not sufficient data available for this occupation to say anything about the labour market.
Median annual pay for Head teachers and principals across UK regions.
Source: ONS ASHE. Based on broad UK regions (NUTS1).
| Region | Median Pay |
|---|---|
| London | £84,500 |
| Yorkshire and The Humber | £84,500 |
| Wales | £79,000 |
| East Midlands | £78,000 |
| North West | £73,500 |
| South East | £70,500 |
| North East | £70,000 |
| West Midlands | £68,500 |
| Scotland | £68,000 |
| East | £67,500 |
| South West | £66,000 |
| UK | £73,500 |
Annual pay grew by +2.9% from 2024 to 2025.
National average (NUTS1 actuals) based on ONS ASHE April snapshot.
Annual percentage change in median pay for Head teachers and principals.
Percentage change from the prior year's April figure.
The median salary for a Head teachers and principals in the UK is £73,500 per year (about £42.71 per hour), based on official ONS data for 2025.
Most Head teachers and principals earn between £55,500 and £91,500 a year (the 25th to 75th percentile of UK pay).
Head teachers and principals pay rose by 2.9% from 2024 to 2025.
The highest median pay for Head teachers and principals is in London, at £84,500 per year.
For job seekers
Check your salary against official UK data for Head teachers and principals roles — broken down by region and seniority level. Free, instant, no sign-up required.
For employers & recruiters
Head teachers and principals plan, organise, direct and co-ordinate the running of schools, colleges and other educational establishments.
Entrants usually possess a degree or equivalent qualification and have gained significant relevant experience in the field of education. Specialist training courses to become a head teacher are available. A DBS check may be required.
Salary data is sourced from official UK pay datasets and updated periodically.