Average Head teachers and principals Salary in Cotswold
ONS ASHE 2025 · South West region · Updated October 2025
How Cotswold compares
For head teachers and principalss based in the South West, 2025 brought a median salary of £65,735. To put this in perspective, the UK average is £70,977 — making this 7.4% below the norm. 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. The all-jobs average in Cotswold is £29,655. By comparison, head teachers and principalss earn 121.7% 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 Cotswold
Salary data is by ONS region. Cotswold 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 Cotswold
Explore roles paying around £65,735/year
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average head teachers and principals salary in Cotswold?
The median head teachers and principals salary in the South West (which includes Cotswold) 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 Cotswold 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 Cotswold compared to other roles?
The average salary across all jobs in Cotswold is £29,655. Head teachers and principals in the South West earn £65,735, which is 121.7% 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 Cotswold. Source: ONS ASHE 2025. Methodology.