Average Head teachers and principals Salary in Forest of Dean
ONS ASHE 2025 · South West region · Updated October 2025
How Forest of Dean compares
According to ONS figures for 2025, the median head teachers and principals salary in the South West reached £65,735, sitting 7.4% below the national median of £70,977. 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 Forest of Dean average across all roles (£25,387), head teachers and principalss take home 158.9% 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 Forest of Dean
Salary data is by ONS region. Forest of Dean 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 Forest of Dean?
The median head teachers and principals salary in the South West (which includes Forest of Dean) 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 Forest of Dean 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 Forest of Dean compared to other roles?
The average salary across all jobs in Forest of Dean is £25,387. Head teachers and principals in the South West earn £65,735, which is 158.9% 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 Forest of Dean. Source: ONS ASHE 2025. Methodology.