Head teachers and principals Salary Guide UK — 2025
Complete breakdown based on ONS ASHE official data
The median head teachers and principals salary in the UK is £70,977 per year, based on the 2025 Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) published by the Office for National Statistics. The mean salary is £71,776, reflecting the influence of higher earners on the average. The median hourly rate is £44.31.
Salaries vary significantly by region, from £60,776 in East Midlands to £82,282 in Yorkshire and The Humber. However, these differences narrow when adjusted for regional cost of living.
UK Median
£70,977
Annual
UK Mean
£71,776
Annual
Hourly Rate
£44.31
Median
UK Jobs
63
Regional Salary Breakdown
The "Adjusted" column shows purchasing power after accounting for regional cost of living (UK average = 100).
| Region | Median | Mean | CoL Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yorkshire and The Humber | £82,282 | £83,939 | £90,919 |
| Wales | £76,119 | £78,448 | £84,577 |
| North West | £74,657 | £75,025 | £81,861 |
| North East | £71,526 | £72,099 | £79,385 |
| London | £71,111 | £77,967 | £61,092 |
| Scotland | £67,633 | £64,542 | £73,275 |
| South East | £67,377 | £68,865 | £65,288 |
| East | £66,126 | £73,759 | £67,961 |
| South West | £65,735 | £75,302 | £68,403 |
| East Midlands | £60,776 | £68,895 | £66,205 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average head teachers and principals salary in the UK?
The median head teachers and principals salary in the UK is £70,977 per year (ONS ASHE 2025). The mean salary is £71,776, which is higher due to top earners.
Which region pays head teachers and principals the most?
Yorkshire and The Humber pays the highest head teachers and principals salaries with a median of £82,282.
How does head teachers and principals pay vary by region?
Head teachers and principals salaries range from £60,776 in East Midlands to £82,282 in Yorkshire and The Humber.
Are head teachers and principals salaries rising?
Year-on-year comparison data is not yet available.
What is the typical hourly rate for head teachers and principals?
The median hourly rate for head teachers and principals in the UK is £44.31 (ONS ASHE 2025).
About this data
All salary figures in this guide are from the ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) 2025. Cost-of-living adjustments use ONS Regional Price Parities. Read our methodology. View data sources.