Average Head teachers and principals Salary in Blackburn with Darwen UA
ONS ASHE 2025 · North West region · Updated October 2025
How Blackburn with Darwen UA compares
According to ONS figures for 2025, the median head teachers and principals salary in the North West reached £74,657, sitting 5.2% above the national median of £70,977. This is particularly notable amid well-documented teacher recruitment and retention challenges across the UK. Factor in the North West's cost of living (8.8% below the UK norm) and a £74,657 salary has the purchasing power of approximately £81,861. Compared to the Blackburn with Darwen UA average across all roles (£30,572), head teachers and principalss take home 144.2% more.
Cost of Living Adjustment
After adjusting for the regional cost of living (North West index: 91.2, UK=100), a salary of £74,657 has an effective purchasing power of approximately £81,861 — equivalent to earning that amount in an area with average UK costs. The cost of living in the North West is 8.8% below the UK average.
Head teachers and principals salary across UK regions
Head teachers and principals salary in areas near Blackburn with Darwen UA
Salary data is by ONS region. Blackburn with Darwen UA is in the North West region. Below are neighbouring regions — click to explore salaries there.
Head teachers and principals Salary Guide
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average head teachers and principals salary in Blackburn with Darwen UA?
The median head teachers and principals salary in the North West (which includes Blackburn with Darwen UA) is £74,657 per year, based on ONS ASHE 2025 data. The mean salary is typically higher due to top earners pulling the average up.
How does head teachers and principals pay in Blackburn with Darwen UA compare to the UK average?
Head teachers and principals in the North West earn 5.2% above the national median of £70,977. This makes the North West one of the higher-paying regions for this role.
Is head teachers and principals a well-paid job in Blackburn with Darwen UA compared to other roles?
The average salary across all jobs in Blackburn with Darwen UA is £30,572. Head teachers and principals in the North West earn £74,657, which is 144.2% above the local average across all occupations.
About this data
Salary figures for head teachers and principalss cover the North West region. The all-jobs average is specific to Blackburn with Darwen UA. Source: ONS ASHE 2025. Methodology.