Average Head teachers and principals Salary in Cheltenham
ONS ASHE 2025 · South West region · Updated October 2025
How Cheltenham compares
If you're a head teachers and principals in the South West, the typical salary in 2025 was £65,735. That's 7.4% below what head teachers and principalss earn nationally (£70,977). In practical terms, living costs in the South West run 3.9% below average. That means £65,735 stretches to roughly £68,403 in real spending power. The all-jobs average in Cheltenham is £35,202. By comparison, head teachers and principalss earn 86.7% more than the typical worker locally.
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 Cheltenham
Salary data is by ONS region. Cheltenham is in the South West region. Below are neighbouring regions — click to explore salaries there.
Head teachers and principals Salary Guide
The full salary guide includes regional breakdowns, cost-of-living adjustments, year-on-year trends, and in-depth FAQs.
Read the full Head teachers and principals salary guide →Find Head teachers and jobs in Cheltenham
Explore roles paying around £65,735/year
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average head teachers and principals salary in Cheltenham?
The median head teachers and principals salary in the South West (which includes Cheltenham) 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 Cheltenham 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 Cheltenham compared to other roles?
The average salary across all jobs in Cheltenham is £35,202. Head teachers and principals in the South West earn £65,735, which is 86.7% 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 Cheltenham. Source: ONS ASHE 2025. Methodology.