Headteacher
This hub is for headteachers in school leadership (maintained schools, academies and trusts where English STPCD leadership ranges usually apply). Use the links below for illustrative leadership pay over time, promotion comparisons, part-time or compressed patterns, take-home pay after tax and pension, leave and related tools. Nothing here ranks the role or tells you what to do next. It offers neutral scenario modelling from published structures where we hold data. Confirm anything decisive with your governing body, trust or union.
All figures are illustrative. Use your contract, payslip or employer for definitive amounts.
About this role
Find out more about the Headteacher role within Schools and whether it would be the right role for you.
What is a Headteacher?
A Headteacher leads a school, with responsibility for standards, staff and pupils. Pay is on the leadership spine and varies by school size and phase.
Typical demands, progression and balance
Headteachers carry statutory and employer accountability for standards, safeguarding and budgets; intensity, hours and term-time rhythm vary widely by school size, phase and governance (maintained school, academy or trust). Pay in England is usually set under STPCD leadership ranges but your governing body or trust determines specifics. Some people progress to executive headship or trust roles; others move into consultancy, inspection-related work or different sectors. There is no single "right" path.
Progression and pay
Headteacher (L18–L43+) → executive head, MAT. Use the calculators on this page to see how pay changes over time on the leadership spine.
Calculators for this role
Browse our career-focused calculators for those who work as a Headteacher, covering pay progression, promotion paths, take-home pay, working patterns, leave, allowances and more. Click the calculators below to get started.