Average Head teachers and principals Salary in Dorset UA
ONS ASHE 2025 · South West region · Updated October 2025
How Dorset UA compares
The numbers for 2025 show that a typical head teachers and principals in the South West earned £65,735. Compared to the UK median of £70,977, that's 7.4% below. 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 Dorset UA average across all roles (£29,292), head teachers and principalss take home 124.4% 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 Dorset UA
Salary data is by ONS region. Dorset 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 Dorset UA?
The median head teachers and principals salary in the South West (which includes Dorset 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 Dorset 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 Dorset UA compared to other roles?
The average salary across all jobs in Dorset UA is £29,292. Head teachers and principals in the South West earn £65,735, which is 124.4% 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 Dorset UA. Source: ONS ASHE 2025. Methodology.