Understanding Headteacher Salary UK: Annual Pay and Hourly Equivalents

If you are considering a leadership role in education or simply want to benchmark pay, understanding the headteacher salary UK landscape is essential. Headteachers are the most senior staff in a school, responsible for leading teachers, managing budgets, and ensuring pupil outcomes. Their pay reflects this level of responsibility and varies significantly by school size, location, and pay group.

What is the Headteacher Salary in England?

According to GOV.UK Get Into Teaching, from September 2026 the minimum starting salary for a headteacher in England (excluding London) is £60,619, rising to a maximum of £148,829. In London, the ranges are higher due to weighting:

• London fringe: £62,102 – £150,301
• Outer London: £64,871 – £153,042
• Inner London: £70,754 – £158,863

These figures are also confirmed by Tes magazine for the 2026/27 academic year. The School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document 2025 (published by the Department for Education) provides the previous year’s ranges, which are slightly lower but follow the same structure.

How Headteacher Pay is Structured

Headteacher pay is not a single figure; it is determined by a headteacher group (1 to 8) assigned to the school based on factors such as pupil numbers, age range, and other characteristics. The 2025 pay document shows groups with increasing pay bands. For example, Group 1 (excluding London) ranges from £58,569 to £77,924, while Group 8 ranges from £100,540 to £143,796. The 2026/27 figures incorporate a pay award that raises these bands.

Converting Headteacher Salary to an Hourly Rate

Although headteachers are salaried, you can calculate an approximate hourly equivalent to compare with other roles. Using the standard full-time teacher assumption of 37.5 hours per week for 52 weeks (including paid holiday), the formula is:

Hourly rate ≈ Annual salary ÷ (37.5 × 52)

For the minimum headteacher salary in England (excluding London) of £60,619:

£60,619 ÷ 1,950 hours = £31.09 per hour

For the inner London maximum of £158,863:

£158,863 ÷ 1,950 hours = £81.47 per hour

Important caveat: Headteachers often work significantly more than 37.5 hours per week, especially during term time. The actual hourly rate may be lower if you account for unpaid overtime. The Hourly to Salary calculator on this site can help you convert any annual salary to an hourly rate using your own hours assumption.

Part-Time and Pro Rata Pay

Headteachers can work part-time, and their pay is calculated on a pro rata basis. The School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document defines the pro rata principle as the proportion of full-time remuneration corresponding to the hours worked relative to the school’s timetabled teaching week. For example, a headteacher working three days a week (0.6 FTE) on a full-time salary of £80,000 would earn £48,000.

This is important for job seekers considering flexible working. Always check the contract to confirm the full-time equivalent salary and the hours basis used.

London Weighting and Regional Variations

London weighting significantly boosts headteacher pay. Inner London headteachers can earn up to £158,863, while those in outer London or the fringe area have lower maxima. The difference reflects the higher cost of living and recruitment challenges in the capital. If you are comparing roles across regions, use the salary data section to see how location affects pay.

Average Headteacher Salary

While the government does not publish a specific average headteacher salary, the median full-time gross annual pay across all UK jobs is around £39,039 (based on ONS ASHE data). Headteacher pay is well above this, but it varies widely. The average teacher salary (including classroom teachers) is over £52,800 from September 2026, as stated by GOV.UK Get Into Teaching. Headteachers earn substantially more, reflecting their leadership role.

Additional Allowances

Beyond the basic salary, headteachers may receive Teaching and Learning Responsibility (TLR) payments for specific duties, such as leading a department or managing behaviour. These are set by the school and are not part of the core pay range. Some headteachers also receive recruitment and retention allowances in hard-to-staff areas.

How to Use the Hourly to Salary Converter

If you are a headteacher considering a move to a different school or region, or if you are an aspiring leader, our Hourly to Salary tool can help you compare offers. Enter the annual salary and your expected weekly hours to see the hourly equivalent. Remember that headteacher contracts often include paid school holidays, so the 52-week divisor is appropriate for full-time roles.

For more articles on UK pay scales, visit our salary articles page. You can also explore topics related to education and public sector pay.

Summary

The headteacher salary UK ranges from about £60,619 to £158,863 depending on location and school group. While headteachers are salaried, you can estimate an hourly rate using a standard 37.5-hour week, but actual hours may be higher. Part-time headteachers are paid pro rata. Always refer to official GOV.UK guidance and your contract for precise figures.