Head Teacher Salary 2026/27: What You Need to Know About Pay Scales and Take-Home Pay

Understanding Head Teacher Salary in England

If you're considering a leadership role in education, understanding the head teacher salary landscape is essential. Head teachers are the most senior staff in a school, responsible for leading staff, managing budgets, and ensuring pupils receive a high-quality education. Their pay reflects this level of responsibility and varies considerably based on the school's size, location, and the specific demands of the role.

Unlike hourly-paid roles covered by the National Living Wage or National Minimum Wage, head teachers are salaried professionals. Their pay is set annually and is not tied to an hourly rate. The statutory minimum wage rates (for example, £12.71/hr for those aged 21 and over) do not apply to head teachers, who are typically paid well above these thresholds.

What Determines a Head Teacher's Salary?

Head teacher pay is governed by the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD), which is updated each year following recommendations from the School Teachers’ Review Body (STRB). For 2026/27, the government has accepted a 3.5% pay award for all teachers and leaders in England, as confirmed by the National Education Union.

The key factors that determine a head teacher's salary include:

• Headteacher Group: Schools are assigned to one of eight headteacher groups (Group 1 to Group 8) based on a unit score that takes into account pupil numbers, age range, and other characteristics. Larger, more complex schools fall into higher groups, which have higher pay ranges.
• Region: Salaries are adjusted for London and the surrounding fringe area. Inner London has the highest pay ranges, followed by outer London, the London fringe, and the rest of England.
• Responsibilities: The governing body can set a salary within the group's range based on the specific challenges of the role, such as leading a school in challenging circumstances or managing a large multi-site campus.
• Experience and Performance: Head teachers can progress through the pay range over time, with annual performance reviews influencing pay increases.

Head Teacher Salary Ranges for 2026/27

Based on GOV.UK guidance and the latest STPCD, the following annual salary ranges apply from September 2026:

Region	Minimum	Maximum
England (excluding London)	£60,619	£148,829
London fringe	£62,102	£150,301
Outer London	£64,871	£153,042
Inner London	£70,754	£158,863

These are the statutory minima and maxima for the leadership group as a whole. Within each region, the headteacher group determines a more specific range. For example, a Group 1 school in the rest of England has a range of £60,619 to £80,652, while a Group 8 school ranges from £104,059 to £148,829. Most secondary head teachers are in Groups 4 to 6, with typical salaries between £75,000 and £100,000.

Take-Home Pay: What You Actually Receive

It's important to look beyond the gross salary when evaluating a head teacher position. Take-home pay is affected by:

• Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS): Employer contributions are 28.68%, but employee contributions are banded. For 2026/27, the rates are 10.5% on earnings up to £76,572.99, 11.6% on earnings between £76,573 and £104,413.99, and 12% on earnings above that. Most head teachers will pay 11.6% or 12%.
• Income Tax: Head teachers are higher-rate taxpayers (40%) on earnings above £50,270 (2026/27 threshold). The pension contribution is deducted before tax, reducing the taxable income.
• National Insurance: Class 1 NICs are charged at 2% on earnings above the upper earnings limit (around £50,000), so head teachers pay 2% on most of their salary above that threshold.

For example, a head teacher on £85,000 (a common salary for a Group 5 secondary school) would take home approximately £53,941 per year after pension (£9,860), income tax (£17,488), and National Insurance (£3,711). This equates to about £4,495 per month. The actual figure will vary depending on your tax code, student loan repayments, and any salary sacrifice arrangements.

Comparing Head Teacher Pay to Other Roles

Head teacher salaries are among the highest in the public sector. For context, the average weekly earnings for full-time employees in the UK are around £745 per week (about £38,740 per year), according to ONS data. A head teacher earning £85,000 is in the top 5% of UK earners. However, the role comes with significant pressures, including long hours, accountability for school performance, and managing complex budgets.

If you're exploring career progression in education, you may also be interested in our pay guides for other school leadership roles, such as deputy head or assistant head. For a broader view of earnings across different sectors, visit our pay data page.

Key Considerations for Prospective Head Teachers

• Pension Benefits: The Teachers’ Pension Scheme is one of the most generous in the UK, with employer contributions of 28.68%. Your pension is based on your career average salary, revalued each year.
• Performance-Related Pay: While most head teachers are on the main pay range, governing bodies can award additional payments for exceptional performance or specific responsibilities, up to 25% above the group maximum in normal circumstances.
• Multi-Academy Trusts: Executive heads in MATs may be paid outside the STPCD framework, potentially exceeding the Group 8 maximum. These roles often come with higher salaries but also greater accountability.

Final Thoughts

The head teacher salary is a reflection of the immense responsibility these leaders hold. With starting salaries over £60,000 and potential earnings exceeding £150,000 in London, it is a well-compensated career path. However, the take-home pay is significantly lower than the headline figure due to pension and tax deductions. Always consider the total compensation package, including pension benefits and professional development opportunities, when evaluating a head teacher position.

For more information on how salaries compare to other roles, see our UK Minimum Wage, which outlines statutory rates for hourly-paid workers. Remember, head teacher pay is not directly comparable to minimum wage roles, but understanding the full earnings landscape helps you make informed career decisions.