Understanding Head Teacher Salary in the UK

A head teacher salary in the UK is not a single figure but a range determined by the size and complexity of the school and its location. Unlike hourly-paid roles, head teachers are salaried professionals whose pay is set by the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD). This guide explains the current pay scales, how to convert annual salary to an hourly equivalent, and what factors influence take-home pay.

Head Teacher Pay Scales 2026/27

From September 2026, the minimum head teacher salary in England (excluding London) is £53,586, rising to £148,829 for the largest schools, according to the UK Teacher Pay Calculator. These figures are confirmed by the Get Into Teaching service, which states that head teacher salaries range from £60,619 to £148,829 in the rest of England, with higher amounts in London.

The pay is structured into eight headteacher groups, each with a minimum and maximum. For example:

• Group 1 (small primary schools): £60,619 – £70,275
• Group 5 (medium secondary schools): £81,457 – £94,349
• Group 8 (large schools): £104,059 – £120,532

London weighting adds a significant premium. Inner London head teachers earn from £63,709 to £158,863, while Outer London ranges from £57,837 to £153,042. The London Fringe area sits between the rest of England and Outer London.

Converting Head Teacher Salary to Hourly Rate

Although head teachers are paid an annual salary, you can calculate an hourly equivalent for comparison with other roles. The standard assumption for full-time teaching staff is 37.5 hours per week, 52 weeks per year. To convert:

Hourly rate = Annual salary ÷ (37.5 × 52)

For instance:

• £53,586 ÷ 1,950 = £27.48 per hour
• £85,000 ÷ 1,950 = £43.59 per hour
• £148,829 ÷ 1,950 = £76.32 per hour

Use our Hourly to Salary calculator to quickly convert any annual figure. Remember that head teachers often work additional hours beyond the contracted week, so the true hourly rate may be lower.

Take-Home Pay and Deductions

A head teacher’s gross salary is subject to Income Tax, National Insurance, and mandatory pension contributions to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme. Pension rates vary by salary band: typically 9.9% for lower bands, 11.6% for middle bands, and 12% for higher bands.

For a head teacher on £85,000 (Group 5), take-home pay is approximately £53,941 per year, or £4,495 per month, after £9,860 pension, £17,488 Income Tax, and £3,711 National Insurance.

Above £100,000, the personal allowance tapers, creating an effective 60% marginal rate between £100,000 and £125,140. A head teacher moving from Group 6 to Group 8 may cross this threshold, so it’s important to plan accordingly.

Factors That Affect Head Teacher Salary

• School group: Determined by pupil numbers weighted by key stage. Larger schools have higher pay ranges.
• Region: London areas pay more, with Inner London the highest.
• Experience and performance: Governing bodies can place a head teacher on a specific point within the group range.
• Part-time work: Pay is pro rata based on the school’s timetabled teaching week (STPCD).
• Salary sacrifice: Arrangements for childcare vouchers or other benefits reduce gross salary for tax purposes.

How Head Teacher Salary Compares to Other Roles

The median full-time UK salary is around £39,039 per year (about £20.02 per hour at 37.5 hours). A head teacher’s starting salary of £53,586 is well above the median, reflecting the leadership responsibility. For more salary comparisons, see our salary data page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I convert a head teacher annual salary to an hourly rate? Divide the annual salary by (37.5 hours per week × 52 weeks) to get a rough hourly equivalent. For example, a head teacher on £60,619 (Group 1 minimum) would earn about £31.09 per hour. Remember that head teachers are salaried and often work more than 37.5 hours, so this is a standardised comparison.

Does London weighting affect head teacher salary? Yes. Head teacher pay ranges are higher in London. Inner London pays the most, followed by Outer London and the London Fringe. For 2026/27, the Inner London minimum is £63,709 compared to £53,586 in the rest of England. The maximum in Inner London is £158,863.

What is the take-home pay for a head teacher on £85,000? According to salarytax.uk, a head teacher on £85,000 (Group 5) would take home approximately £53,941 per year after pension (11.6%), Income Tax, and National Insurance. Monthly take-home would be about £4,495. Actual take-home depends on pension tier and any salary sacrifice arrangements.

Summary

A head teacher salary in the UK is a substantial annual figure that reflects the demands of school leadership. While it is not typically quoted as an hourly wage, converting to an hourly rate can help compare with other roles. The pay varies significantly by school size and location, with London premiums adding thousands. For the most accurate figures, always check the latest STPCD or use our salary articles for updates.

Disclaimer: Hourly-to-salary figures assume a steady contracted week with no unpaid overtime, bonus, tips or salary sacrifice. Annual ≈ hourly × hours/week × 52. Actual pay depends on rota, holiday pay method, London weighting and overtime rules. Always check your contract and official GOV.UK guidance.