Head Teacher Salary Guide

Head Teacher Salary Guide: Leadership Pay Bands and School Groups

Head teacher salaries in England are set within the Leadership Group pay structure. The exact salary a head teacher receives depends on the size and complexity of their school, reflected in one of 8 head teacher pay bands. This guide explains how head teacher pay is set, the role of governing bodies, and how total compensation compares to equivalent roles in the private sector.

Understanding leadership pay is essential not only for aspiring head teachers but also for governing bodies responsible for setting pay, deputy and assistant heads negotiating their salary, and anyone involved in school leadership recruitment.

The Leadership Group Pay Structure

Since a 2014 reform, the STPCD no longer sets a single national point-by-point spine for school leaders. Instead it defines an overall Leadership Group pay range and 8 head teacher pay bands, each covering a min-max salary range — school size and complexity determine which band applies. For 2026/27 (effective 1 September 2026, Rest of England), the overall Leadership Group range runs from £53,586 to £148,829; London-area schools attract higher rates through the Inner London, Outer London, and Fringe weightings.

Head Teacher Pay Bands

Schools are placed into one of eight bands based on size and complexity (broadly reflecting pupil numbers). The band determines the salary range within which the governing body sets the head teacher's pay:

Source: School Teachers' Review Body 36th Report, Appendix F (published 1 July 2026), figures accepted by the Education Secretary the same day. London-area salary ranges are higher — see our full pay scales calculator for Inner London, Outer London, and Fringe figures.

How School Bands Are Determined

The total unit score is calculated by assigning unit values to each pupil based on their age and whether they have special educational needs:

• Key Stage 1 and Foundation: 7 units per pupil
• Key Stage 2: 7 units per pupil
• Key Stage 3: 9 units per pupil
• Key Stage 4: 11 units per pupil
• Key Stage 5 (sixth form): 13 units per pupil
• SEN units: additional units for pupils with EHCPs or in special provision

The total units are then matched to group thresholds. For example, a primary school with 300 pupils on roll would typically fall into Group 2 or 3, while a large secondary school with 1,500 pupils and a sixth form would likely be Group 6 or 7.

Setting the Head Teacher's Salary Within the Band

Within the band's overall range, the governing body sets the specific salary for the head teacher position, and this figure typically allows room for performance-related progression over the head teacher's tenure — for example, starting a first-time head teacher lower in the band, with room to progress toward the band maximum as experience builds. The starting point reflects the complexity of the role and the individual's experience.

Performance-Related Progression

Head teachers progress within their band based on an annual performance review conducted by the governing body (or a designated pay committee). The review considers progress against agreed objectives, which typically cover pupil outcomes, leadership effectiveness, financial management, and school improvement priorities. Progression is not automatic — the governing body must be satisfied that performance warrants a higher salary within the band.

Discretionary Payments

In exceptional circumstances, the STPCD allows the governing body to award discretionary payments of up to 25% of the head teacher's basic salary. These are intended for situations where the head teacher is undertaking significant additional responsibilities, such as:

• Leading a federation of schools
• Acting as an executive head teacher across multiple schools
• Taking responsibility for a school in special measures
• Managing a significant school building project or reorganisation

Discretionary payments must be reviewed annually and are subject to external scrutiny. The total salary (basic plus discretionary) should not normally exceed the maximum of the head teacher's school group, though this can be exceeded in truly exceptional circumstances with clear justification.

Deputy and Assistant Head Teachers

Deputy and assistant head teachers are also paid within the Leadership Group pay range, at a level set by the governing body below the head teacher's salary. Deputy head pay is typically set below the head teacher's salary for the same school, while assistant head pay sits below the deputy's — both scaled to the school's band. The same performance-based progression applies.

Total Compensation Package

Beyond salary, head teachers receive a substantial pension benefit through the Teachers' Pension Scheme. With employer contributions at 28.68%, a head teacher earning £90,000 receives an additional £25,812 per year in pension contributions. Some head teacher positions, particularly in London, historically included housing allowances, though these are now rare. Including pension contributions, total compensation for a Band 6-8 head teacher (Rest of England) ranges from around £113,000 at the bottom of Band 6 to over £191,000 at the top of Band 8.

Comparison to Private Sector

Head teachers of large secondary schools manage budgets of £5-15 million, staff teams of 100-200+, and serve communities of thousands. In the private sector, managers with equivalent responsibilities (operational directors, divisional managers) typically earn £100,000-£180,000 plus bonuses and share options. While head teacher salaries have improved significantly, many in education argue they remain below market rate for the complexity and accountability involved. However, the TPS pension benefit substantially narrows the gap when total remuneration is considered. Use our Take Home Pay Calculator to see the net impact of different leadership salary points.