Average Head teachers and principals Salary in Preston
ONS ASHE 2025 · North West region · Updated October 2025
How Preston compares
For head teachers and principalss based in the North West, 2025 brought a median salary of £74,657. To put this in perspective, the UK average is £70,977 — making this 5.2% above the norm. This is particularly notable amid well-documented teacher recruitment and retention challenges across the UK. In practical terms, living costs in the North West run 8.8% below average. That means £74,657 stretches to roughly £81,861 in real spending power. Compared to the Preston average across all roles (£32,655), head teachers and principalss take home 128.6% more.
Cost of Living Adjustment
After adjusting for the regional cost of living (North West index: 91.2, UK=100), a salary of £74,657 has an effective purchasing power of approximately £81,861 — equivalent to earning that amount in an area with average UK costs. The cost of living in the North West is 8.8% below the UK average.
Head teachers and principals salary across UK regions
Head teachers and principals salary in areas near Preston
Salary data is by ONS region. Preston is in the North 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 Preston?
The median head teachers and principals salary in the North West (which includes Preston) is £74,657 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 Preston compare to the UK average?
Head teachers and principals in the North West earn 5.2% above the national median of £70,977. This makes the North West one of the higher-paying regions for this role.
Is head teachers and principals a well-paid job in Preston compared to other roles?
The average salary across all jobs in Preston is £32,655. Head teachers and principals in the North West earn £74,657, which is 128.6% above the local average across all occupations.
About this data
Salary figures for head teachers and principalss cover the North West region. The all-jobs average is specific to Preston. Source: ONS ASHE 2025. Methodology.