Average Head teachers and principals Salary in Exeter
ONS ASHE 2025 · South West region · Updated October 2025
How Exeter compares
A head teachers and principals working in the South West could expect a median salary of £65,735 in 2025 — 7.4% below the national figure of £70,977. This is particularly notable amid well-documented teacher recruitment and retention challenges across the UK. The cost of living in the South West is 3.9% below the UK average, so a salary of £65,735 has an effective purchasing power closer to £68,403. To put this alongside local pay more broadly: the average across all jobs in Exeter is £30,138, so head teachers and principalss sit 118.1% more that benchmark.
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 Exeter
Salary data is by ONS region. Exeter 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 Exeter?
The median head teachers and principals salary in the South West (which includes Exeter) 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 Exeter 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 Exeter compared to other roles?
The average salary across all jobs in Exeter is £30,138. Head teachers and principals in the South West earn £65,735, which is 118.1% 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 Exeter. Source: ONS ASHE 2025. Methodology.