Head teachers and principal salary UK
70,977 GBP
Median gross annual pay · 2025 · ONS ASHE · 2321
Half of all head teachers and principals in the UK earn more than 70,977 GBP a year, half earn less.
Rank by pay10of 398 occupations
Spread, quartile to quartile1.47×56,666 GBP – 83,340 GBP
Men against women13.5 %77,299 GBP against 66,860 GBP
| Measure | All | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower quartile | 56,666 GBP | — | — |
| Median | 70,977 GBP | 77,299 GBP | 66,860 GBP |
| Mean | 71,776 GBP | — | — |
| Upper quartile | 83,340 GBP | — | — |
About the figure
Occupation code 2321 in SOC 2020, the UK occupation classification. Covers all employee jobs. Published by the Office for National Statistics, not estimated by us. The figure is gross annual pay, not monthly.
Occupations that pay about the same
- Train and tram drivers 76,176 GBP
- Directors in consultancy services 73,453 GBP
- Public relations and communications directors 72,020 GBP
- Functional managers and directors n.e.c. 69,996 GBP
- Senior police officers 66,514 GBP
- Financial managers and directors 65,336 GBP
Source: ONS, Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, Table 14. Figures are for 2025; snapshot taken 2026-08-15. www.ons.gov.uk