Average Head teachers and principals Salary in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole UA
ONS ASHE 2025 · South West region · Updated October 2025
How Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole UA compares
Worth noting that head teachers and principalss in the South West earned £65,735 at the median in 2025. Across the UK as a whole, the figure was £70,977 — a difference of 7.4%. This is particularly notable amid well-documented teacher recruitment and retention challenges across the UK. Factor in the South West's cost of living (3.9% below the UK norm) and a £65,735 salary has the purchasing power of approximately £68,403. Compared to the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole UA average across all roles (£31,121), head teachers and principalss take home 111.2% more.
Cost of Living Adjustment
After adjusting for the regional cost of living (South West index: 96.1, UK=100), a salary of £65,735 has an effective purchasing power of approximately £68,403 — equivalent to earning that amount in an area with average UK costs. The cost of living in the South West is 3.9% below the UK average.
Head teachers and principals salary across UK regions
Head teachers and principals salary in areas near Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole UA
Salary data is by ONS region. Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole UA is in the South 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 Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole UA?
The median head teachers and principals salary in the South West (which includes Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole UA) is £65,735 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 Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole UA compare to the UK average?
Head teachers and principals in the South West earn 7.4% below the national median of £70,977. Other regions such as London and the South East typically offer higher salaries for this role.
Is head teachers and principals a well-paid job in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole UA compared to other roles?
The average salary across all jobs in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole UA is £31,121. Head teachers and principals in the South West earn £65,735, which is 111.2% above the local average across all occupations.
About this data
Salary figures for head teachers and principalss cover the South West region. The all-jobs average is specific to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole UA. Source: ONS ASHE 2025. Methodology.