Average Head teachers and principals Salary in Harlow
ONS ASHE 2025 · East region · Updated October 2025
How Harlow compares
In practical terms, a head teachers and principals in the East earned a median of £66,126 during 2025, which works out to 6.8% below the UK-wide median of £70,977. This is particularly notable amid well-documented teacher recruitment and retention challenges across the UK. The cost of living in the East is 2.7% below the UK average, so a salary of £66,126 has an effective purchasing power closer to £67,961. To put this alongside local pay more broadly: the average across all jobs in Harlow is £32,320, so head teachers and principalss sit 104.6% more that benchmark.
Cost of Living Adjustment
After adjusting for the regional cost of living (East index: 97.3, UK=100), a salary of £66,126 has an effective purchasing power of approximately £67,961 — equivalent to earning that amount in an area with average UK costs. The cost of living in the East is 2.7% below the UK average.
Head teachers and principals salary across UK regions
Head teachers and principals salary in areas near Harlow
Salary data is by ONS region. Harlow is in the East 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 Harlow?
The median head teachers and principals salary in the East (which includes Harlow) is £66,126 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 Harlow compare to the UK average?
Head teachers and principals in the East earn 6.8% 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 Harlow compared to other roles?
The average salary across all jobs in Harlow is £32,320. Head teachers and principals in the East earn £66,126, which is 104.6% above the local average across all occupations.
About this data
Salary figures for head teachers and principalss cover the East region. The all-jobs average is specific to Harlow. Source: ONS ASHE 2025. Methodology.