Average Head teachers and principals Salary in Test Valley
ONS ASHE 2025 · South East region · Updated October 2025
How Test Valley compares
According to ONS figures for 2025, the median head teachers and principals salary in the South East reached £67,377, sitting 5.1% below the national median of £70,977. This is particularly notable amid well-documented teacher recruitment and retention challenges across the UK. In practical terms, living costs in the South East run 3.2% above average. That means £67,377 stretches to roughly £65,288 in real spending power. Compared to the Test Valley average across all roles (£33,566), head teachers and principalss take home 100.7% more.
Cost of Living Adjustment
After adjusting for the regional cost of living (South East index: 103.2, UK=100), a salary of £67,377 has an effective purchasing power of approximately £65,288 — equivalent to earning that amount in an area with average UK costs. The cost of living in the South East is 3.2% above the UK average.
Head teachers and principals salary across UK regions
Head teachers and principals salary in areas near Test Valley
Salary data is by ONS region. Test Valley is in the South 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 Test Valley?
The median head teachers and principals salary in the South East (which includes Test Valley) is £67,377 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 Test Valley compare to the UK average?
Head teachers and principals in the South East earn 5.1% 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 Test Valley compared to other roles?
The average salary across all jobs in Test Valley is £33,566. Head teachers and principals in the South East earn £67,377, which is 100.7% above the local average across all occupations.
About this data
Salary figures for head teachers and principalss cover the South East region. The all-jobs average is specific to Test Valley. Source: ONS ASHE 2025. Methodology.