Headteacher

Every great school starts with a great leader. As a Headteacher, you won’t just run a school—you’ll shape the future of hundreds, if not thousands, of young minds. Can you inspire the next generation? Can you create an environment where students thrive, teachers grow, and a school becomes more than just a place of learning?

The role of a Headteacher is demanding, but few careers offer such lasting impact. You’ll set the vision, lead your team, and drive real change, ensuring every child gets the education they deserve. From mentoring staff and overseeing the curriculum to integrating cutting-edge technology like AI-powered learning tools and digital classrooms, you’ll be at the forefront of the future of education.

Education is evolving, and schools need leaders who can embrace change, inspire excellence, and leave a legacy that lasts beyond the classroom. If you’re ready to take on a challenge that will shape not only your career but the lives of thousands, this is your opportunity to lead.

Key Details

£65,000

Entry

£75,000

Average

£87,000

Senior

60 / Wk

Average Hours

Primary School Teacher

Summary

Being a Headteacher is more than just a leadership role—it’s a calling. You will shape the future of an entire school, from the students who walk through its doors to the teachers who bring learning to life. Your influence will last for generations, ensuring that every pupil receives the education, support, and opportunities they need to thrive.

This is a role for visionaries, motivators, and problem-solvers. You’ll need extensive teaching experience, a deep understanding of the UK education system, and the ability to lead with confidence. Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is essential, and many aspiring Headteachers strengthen their leadership skills through the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH). Beyond qualifications, you’ll need to embrace change—whether that’s integrating AI and digital learning tools, adapting to new education policies, or fostering an inclusive and innovative school environment.

Expect long hours and high expectations, but also the reward of seeing your school flourish under your leadership. If you’re passionate about education, driven to create lasting impact, and excited by the future of learning, then becoming a Headteacher isn’t just a job—it’s your chance to build something truly great.

Responsibilities

A Headteacher is responsible for the running and management of all aspects of a school. The main responsibilities include the following:
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    Lead the school and outline its vision. Headteachers are required to set out their school’s vision and goals, implementing all policies required by regulatory bodies in the United Kingdom like the Department for Education (DfE), and identifying areas for improvement and making and delivering plans to do so.

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    Manage teachers and other supporting staff. Headteachers must interview and hire teachers and other school staff, and provide them with all of the support they need to ensure they can perform their duties in teaching pupils. They must also monitor teachers and create a positive work environment.

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    Ensure pupils are taught and kept safe. One of the most important aspects of being a Headteacher is ensuring that safeguarding policies are followed and that children are kept protected while in school. Headteachers must also set expectations for student behaviour and aid in their educational development by ensuring teachers follow the English National and unique school Curriculum.

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    Manage all financial aspects of the school. The Headteacher must manage school finances, ensuring that resources are allocated appropriately across the school. If needed, Headteachers must also work to seek additional funding and resources to help the school and teaching.

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    Communicate with staff, pupils, and more. A huge responsibility for a Headteacher is communication. All Headteachers will need to effectively communicate with their staff and pupils, as well as parents and regulatory board members like Ofsted.

Key Skills & Traits

Successful Headteachers must possess a range of skills to help them. Some of them include organisation, communication, leadership, and organisation, amongst others.

Leadership

Strong leadership skills are necessary for anyone looking to become a Headteacher in the United Kingdom. You’ll need to be able to make informed decisions and inspire and lead the school to ensure a positive environment for students and staff alike.

Communication

An essential part of being a Headteacher is communication with staff, students, parents, and members of regulatory bodies like the Department for Education (DfE) or Ofsted. You’ll need to be able to explain ideas and school policies, listen to and discuss concerns, resolve issues, and be comfortable speaking publicly when addressing assemblies and groups of people.

Adaptability

Like most roles in education, Headteachers will need to be highly flexible to adapt to changing policies, challenges, and technologies, including any issues that involve pupils. Being able to remain calm under pressure will help tremendously.

Management

Headteachers will need to have strong management skills, as the role requires you to manage all aspects of a school, including its teachers, support staff, pupils, and the day-to-day running of the school.

Strategic Thinking

A great skill to have as a Headteacher is the ability to be strategic. This will help you set short and long-term goals for your school, solve problems as they surface, and hone your ability to make informed decisions based on analytics and self-research.

Educational Knowledge

A hugely important skill to have is knowledge and expertise in education. Headteachers will need to understand the National English Curriculum to ensure that pupils are taught to the UK Government’s standards. They should be able to effectively analyse student and teacher performance to find areas for improvement.

Organisation

Headteachers should be highly organised to help them with time management and to balance administrative duties, leadership responsibilities, and the day-to-day interactions with staff and pupils.

Basic IT Skills

Some responsibilities as a Headteacher require you to complete administrative duties, particularly when managing the school’s finances and other items. Possessing basic IT skills is essential, while being advanced in IT can help streamline operations and enhance school learning.

Education & Qualifications

Not everyone can become a Headteacher—but if you're passionate about education, committed to leadership, and have the drive to shape a school’s future, this could be your path. Becoming a Headteacher in the UK requires experience, recognised qualifications, and the ability to lead both staff and students. Many Headteachers begin as classroom teachers and steadily progress through leadership roles, developing their skills and confidence along the way.

Success in this role is built on strategic thinking, communication, and the ability to inspire others. You’ll need to demonstrate a track record of effective teaching and leadership, backed by professional development and formal training. It’s not about ticking boxes—it’s about showing you can lead a school community to success.

Lifestyle

Head-teaching is a demanding job, often with long hours, lots of responsibility, and a challenging work-life balance. Despite this, the role is incredibly rewarding and fulfilling, particularly for those who want to make a difference. It is a career that blends high levels of social interaction—engaging with students, staff, parents, and external bodies—with independent strategic work, such as school planning and policy development. While school holidays offer scheduled breaks, Headteachers often work beyond term time, handling administrative tasks and preparing for the next academic year. The salary is competitive, offering strong financial stability, but the role requires dedication, resilience, and a passion for leadership.
10%
Remote Suited
While some responsibilities as a Headteacher can be done at home or remotely (such as completing general administrative duties), you’ll need to be present at the school to interact with staff and students and to create a positive environment, which means there are limited remote working opportunities.  
80%
Stressful
Similar to most jobs in teaching, a Headteacher is responsible for maintaining standards and for the success and running of a school, which means handling all aspects of the school and leading it to meet all goals - all whilst being accountable to Governmental officials, parents, and education regulatory bodies like Ofsted.
20%
Work Life Blance
A majority of Headteachers work long days, starting early and finishing late similar to other teachers. Many have also spoken about having to take work home with them, leaving limited personal time, although some Headteachers have highlighted the importance of self-care and a requirement to delegate tasks to support staff for an improved work-life balance.
4.5Enjoyment
While stressful and incredibly demanding (even more so than ordinary teaching jobs), most Headteachers find the job incredibly enjoyable and rewarding due to their ability to make a difference for pupils, parents, and their staff while paving the way to educate younger generations. 
60/hrs
Weekly
Headteachers report working between 35 and 60 hours per week, with the number changing on a frequent basis depending on what work and meetings Headteachers will have.

Salary Data

The average salary for a Headteacher in the UK is £75,000 before tax. New Headteachers should expect to make around £65,000, while senior teachers can earn a salary of £87,000 or more.
£65,000

Entry

£75,000

Average

£87,000

Senior

Career Path

Prior to working as a Headteacher, you may take on a Deputy Headteacher role or other leadership positions within a school. Beyond that, as Headteachers are seen as the most senior position within a school, you can move onto roles overseeing multiple or specialist schools, acting as an advisor, or helping in the regulation of schools. 

Deputy Headteacher

Before becoming a Headteacher of a school, you’ll probably spend ample time as a Deputy Headteacher - a role which requires you to support the Headteacher in their leadership, goals, and managing staff and pupils. You’ll also work to stand in for the Headteacher when required.

Headteacher

With experience both as a Teacher and a Deputy Head, you have enough experience to become a Headteacher - the highest position in the school. The responsibilities of a Headteacher (such as dealing with legislators and financial matters) may be complex and quite different from teaching; for this reason, exposure to them as a Deputy Head beforehand is valuable, and generally a prerequisite.

Regulatory Positions / Charity and Non-Profit Roles

After becoming a Headteacher, you can consider taking on a position within a regulatory board, such as becoming an Ofsted Inspector or possibly become an advisor for the Department for Education due to the transferable skills and knowledge needed in these positions. Anyone who enjoys the direct impact teaching makes on pupils and the wider community could look into obtaining jobs in charities and non-profit roles with Save the Children UK, Teach First, and others. Many charities have educational director roles or are in search of leadership, which Headteachers should have the skills and experience for.
Becoming a Headteacher is a significant achievement, but it doesn’t have to be the final step in your career. Many Headteachers go on to executive leadership roles, such as Executive Headteacher or CEO of a Multi-Academy Trust, overseeing multiple schools and shaping education on a larger scale. Others transition into educational consultancy, offering expertise on school improvement, leadership development, or curriculum planning. Some move into government advisory roles or inspection services, such as becoming an Ofsted inspector, helping to set and uphold educational standards nationwide. Alternatively, experienced Headteachers may choose to mentor new leaders, lecture in teacher training programmes, or take on freelance work—writing, public speaking, or delivering specialist training to schools. Whether you want to lead at a higher level, influence policy, or support the next generation of educators, headship provides a strong foundation for a diverse range of future opportunities.

History of the Profession

Before formal schooling, children’s education depended on their social class, culture, and historical period. Many learned through family, apprenticeships, religious institutions, or community traditions, rather than structured classrooms. Here’s a look at how education functioned before schools became the norm:

(Prehistoric - Early Civilisations)

Learning Through Family and Community
In early human societies, education was entirely informal and practical. Children learned survival skills, such as hunting, farming, and tool-making, from parents and elders. Social values and traditions were passed down through storytelling, music, and rituals. There were no written records—learning was entirely hands-on and oral. Example: In many indigenous cultures, children were (and in some cases still are) taught through observation, imitation, and participation in everyday tasks.

(Ancient Egypt, Greece & Rome)

Religious and Early Academic Teaching
In Ancient Egypt (around 3000 BCE), education was reserved for royalty and scribes, who learned hieroglyphics, mathematics, and astronomy to serve in government and temples. In Ancient Greece, only boys from wealthy families received a formal education, learning philosophy, poetry, and rhetoric. Girls were mostly taught household skills by their mothers. The Romans expanded education, offering primary schools (ludus) for boys, where they learned reading, writing, and basic arithmetic. However, poor children still had no formal education.

(Middle Ages & Medieval Europe, 5th - 15th Century)

The Apprentice Model
For most children in medieval times, education came through apprenticeships and religious instruction: Peasant children learned farming and craft skills from their parents. Wealthier boys could become apprentices, learning a trade under a master craftsman (e.g., blacksmithing, weaving, or baking). Religious education was common, with monks and priests teaching Latin, scripture, and basic literacy to future clergymen. Girls were typically trained in household management and sometimes educated in convents. The exception? Some monastery and cathedral schools provided education to boys who showed promise, laying the foundation for the first formal schools.

(Renaissance & Early Modern Period, 15th - 18th Century)

Early Schools for the Elite
During the Renaissance, education expanded beyond the clergy. The wealthy sent their sons to grammar schools, where they learned Latin, mathematics, and philosophy. Girls' education remained limited, though some wealthy families hired tutors for their daughters. In some areas, charity schools were established to educate orphaned or poor children, though many still worked from a young age. The biggest shift? Education became more structured, setting the stage for state-run schools in the 19th century.

(19th - 20th Century)

The Industrial Revolution & Compulsory Education
Before government-run schools, many working-class children worked in factories, farms, and mines from a very young age. The Education Act of 1870 in the UK introduced state-funded schools, making education more accessible. By the 20th century, education became compulsory, ensuring that all children attended school rather than working.

What About Today?

Education has evolved massively, but in some parts of the world, children still learn through apprenticeships, religious institutions, and family traditions before (or instead of) formal schooling. The rise of online learning and AI-driven education could reshape learning again—just as it did thousands of years ago!

Reviews

Hearing from other Headteachers may be one of the best ways to figure out whether a career in Headteaching is right for you. Take a look at the reviews that fellow Headteachers have left below.

Headteacher

Joan

It’s stressful, but also liberating that you’re the one setting the tone for the whole school, rather than following someone else’s path. I’m primary, which is obviously different to the role of secondary Headteacher. Of course it’s hard, but what job isn’t?

💰£78,000Annual
salary
💼45Weekly hours
🏝️0%Remote suited
🤷‍♀️90%Stressful
⚖️30%Work life balance

London Headteacher

Victoria

I’m a Headteacher. It’s pretty hectic and I don’t have a great senior leadership team at the moment, so I’m picking up way more than I should. However, I find it satisfying overall, and there are lots of things I still want to do in the role.

💰£70,000Annual
salary
💼47Weekly hours
🏝️10%Remote suited
🤷‍♀️70%Stressful
⚖️40%Work life balance

Assistant Headteacher making a change

Laura

I’m an Assistant Head and get to make a real change that can positively impact our school community. I’m spending less time teaching, but I’m more available to support my colleagues and students. It was an enjoyable experience, which I don’t regret.

💰£82,000Annual
salary
💼50Weekly hours
🏝️10%Remote suited
🤷‍♀️80%Stressful
⚖️30%Work life balance
Reviewing your career on Focus can help others decide whether being a Headteacher is right for them. If you’re a Headteacher or previously worked as one, please consider leaving a review using the link below. It doesn’t take long and you’ll be improving the lives of others.

Similar Careers

The following careers are closely associated with a Headteacher. You will have either worked in these roles before or will spend a lot of your time managing them or working beside them.
Primary School Teacher

Resources

If you want to learn more about being a Headteacher, we’ve compiled several resources that we think can help and prepare you for the career. Check them out right here.
Article

AI headteacher appointed at UK boarding school

An interesting article that discusses how a Headteacher at a UK boarding school employed an AI to help him with his duties - can be handy for anyone looking to take on a Headteaching role as AI can help with basic duties. Also describes how students use AI too, showing how the school takes on more advanced approach to tech. 
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Article

Leadership in schools - The attributes great headteachers need

An article that discusses the type of key attributes Headteachers will need to possess in order to successfully run a school. There are some handy tips here for anyone starting their career as a Headteacher. 
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A photo of a teacher smiling and looking at the camera while writing on a whiteboard.
Podcast

The Diary of a Headteacher

A podcast by Headteacher Paul delves into the world of being a leader at school. It features interviews with other school leaders, including Headteachers and Inspectors. Can be handy for anyone looking to take on a Head role who wants to learn more.
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The official thumbnail for The Diary of a Headteacher podcast.
Podcast

The Headteacher Update Podcast

The Headteacher Update Podcast is a series that offers advice and tips and hosts discussions with teachers and school leaders that are handy for leaders. It mainly focuses on Primary Schools, but Heads in other schools will still find a use for it. 
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Video

Advice for new headteachers

Drew Povey, the Headteacher in the Channel 4 series Educating Manchester, offers some sound advice for upcoming or new Headteachers. They can be great tips for anyone who is serious about leading a school.
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Video

From Deputy to Headteacher - Teach First

A video produced by Teach First - an organisation that helps prospective teachers gain the qualifications needed to teach - that interviews Headteacher Pete as he covers his journey from becoming an “uninspired teacher” to becoming a Headteacher at Arnold Academy. 
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Book

Brilliant Head Teacher: What you need to know to be a truly outstanding Head Teacher

Iain Erskine discusses the qualities and skills required to become a successful Headteacher in the United Kingdom, and offers some tips on how you can work with others to achieve your goals, help the wider school, and make a positive environment for learning.
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The book cover of Brilliant Head Teacher: What you need to know to be a truly outstanding Head Teacher.
Book

How to be a Brilliant Primary School Head Teacher: A simple, practical guide to leading a primary school for the very first time

This book by Gary Nott provides readers with practical advice and encouragement from a Headteacher. It offers strategies and ideas for anyone who is new to being a Primary School Headteacher or looking to move into the role. 
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The book cover of How to be a Brilliant Primary School Head Teacher: A simple, practical guide to leading a primary school for the very first time

Specialisms

Headteachers can move on to lead schools in specialised matters or subjects, or you can try your hand at leading unique types of schools. You’ll find some examples of specialism below.

Regulatory Bodies

While working as a Headteacher, you’ll have to work alongside several regulatory bodies. The two most prominent are Ofsted and the Department for Education (DfE). You’ll also have to work with other organisations involved in teaching, including the Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) and the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA). Learn more about them here.