Headteacher Salary: Myths, Facts, and What You Need to Know

Understanding Headteacher Salary in England

When people hear the term headteacher salary, they often imagine a straightforward six-figure sum. In reality, headteacher pay is one of the most misunderstood areas of school leadership compensation. This guide unpacks the facts, clears up common myths, and explains what you can actually expect to earn or take home.

How Headteacher Pay Is Set

Headteacher salaries in England are governed by the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD), which is updated annually. The government accepts recommendations from the School Teachers’ Review Body (STRB). For 2026/27, the STRB recommended a 3.5% pay award for all teachers and leaders, which the government accepted, as confirmed by the National Education Union.

Pay is not a single figure. Instead, schools are assigned to one of eight headteacher groups based on a unit score that reflects pupil numbers, age range, and other factors. Each group has a minimum and maximum salary, and these ranges differ by region:

• 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 figures come from official GOV.UK guidance and are effective from September 2026.

Common Myths About Headteacher Salary

Myth 1: All headteachers earn over £100,000.

Only headteachers in larger schools (Groups 5–8) typically reach six figures. A Group 1 headteacher in a small primary school outside London earns between £60,619 and £80,652. Even a typical secondary headteacher on Group 5 earns around £85,000, not £100,000+. The top of the scale applies only to the largest schools in inner London.

Myth 2: Headteacher pay is the same everywhere.

As the regional ranges show, location makes a big difference. An inner London headteacher can earn up to £10,000 more than a colleague in the same group outside London. The London fringe and outer London areas have their own separate pay spines.

Myth 3: The advertised salary is what you take home.

Headteachers are members of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme, with employer contributions of 28.6%. Member contributions are tiered: 10.5% up to £76,572.99, 11.6% up to £104,413.99, and 12% above that. Most heads pay 11.6% or 12%. After pension, income tax (at 40% for most), and National Insurance, take-home pay is significantly lower. For a headteacher on £85,000, take-home is about £53,941 per year, according to salarytax.uk calculations.

Myth 4: Headteacher pay is capped at the Group 8 maximum.

In exceptional circumstances, a governing body can set a pay range up to 25% above the group maximum, with a business case and independent advice. Additionally, executive heads of multi-academy trusts are not bound by STPCD and can be paid more under trust pay policy.

What This Means for Job Seekers and Workers

If you are considering a headteacher role, look beyond the headline figure. Check the school’s headteacher group (available on the school’s website or job advert) and the regional pay area. Remember that pension contributions are deducted before tax, which reduces your take-home but builds a valuable career-average pension. For context on statutory minimum rates, see our UK Minimum Wage page. For more on how pay scales work across professions, visit our pay guides.

Regional Variations in Detail

The table below summarises the 2026/27 headteacher pay ranges from GOV.UK guidance:

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 limits for maintained schools. Academies and free schools may have slightly different arrangements, but most follow STPCD.

Take-Home Pay: A Worked Example

Consider a headteacher on £85,000 (typical Group 5 secondary head). Using 2026/27 tax and pension rates:

• Pension contribution (11.6%): £9,860
• Taxable income after pension: £75,140
• Income tax: £17,488 (20% on first £37,700, 40% on remaining £37,440)
• National Insurance: £3,711
• Take-home pay: £53,941 per year (£4,495 per month)

This example shows why it is a mistake to assume a £85,000 salary means £85,000 in your pocket.

Final Thoughts

The headteacher salary is a complex topic with many layers. The key takeaways: pay varies by school group and region, not all heads earn six figures, and take-home pay is reduced by pension and tax. Always check the specific job advert and consult official sources like GOV.UK guidance or the National Education Union for the latest scales. For further reading, explore our pay data and topics pages.