Understanding Primary School Head Teacher Salary

If you’re considering a career in school leadership or are simply curious about pay in education, knowing the primary school head teacher salary is essential. Headteachers are the most senior leaders in a school, responsible for everything from staff management to pupil outcomes. Their pay reflects this responsibility and varies significantly by school size and location.

In England, headteacher pay is set by the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD), which applies to maintained schools. The document assigns each school to a headteacher group (1 to 8) based on a unit total score that considers pupil numbers, age range, and other factors. Primary schools typically have smaller rolls, so primary headteachers are usually in Groups 1–4, though large primaries or those with nursery provision may reach Group 5 or 6.

Headteacher Pay Ranges for 2026/27

According to the GOV.UK Get Into Teaching service, the following annual salary ranges apply from September 2026:

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

These are the full ranges across all eight groups. For a primary headteacher in a smaller school (Group 1), the salary in England outside London is £60,619 to £80,652. In Inner London, the same group pays £70,754 to £90,787. The exact figure within the range is determined by the school’s governing body.

How Primary School Head Teacher Salary Compares to Other Roles

The median full-time gross annual pay for all UK employees is around £39,039 (2026/27 on-site reference). Even the lowest headteacher group pays well above this. A primary head teacher in Group 1 earns roughly 55% more than the median, placing them in the top 10–15% of UK earners. However, the role comes with significant pressure and long hours.

For context, a classroom teacher on the main pay range can earn between £34,069 and £52,835 (excluding London) from September 2026. After five years, a typical teacher might earn at least £46,960. Headteachers take on far greater responsibility and are compensated accordingly.

Hourly Equivalent of a Headteacher Salary

Headteachers are salaried, not paid by the hour. But if you want to understand the hourly equivalent, you can use the standard teacher contracted week of 37.5 hours. Divide the annual salary by 37.5 × 52 (1,950 hours). For example:

• £60,619 per year ≈ £31.09 per hour
• £80,652 per year ≈ £41.36 per hour
• £100,000 per year ≈ £51.28 per hour

However, many headteachers work 50–60 hours per week during term time, especially in larger schools. The actual hourly rate for time worked may be lower. Use our hourly calculator to convert any salary to an hourly rate based on your own hours.

Regional Differences and London Weighting

Location is a major factor in primary school head teacher salary. Inner London pays the highest, with a premium of about £10,000–£15,000 over the rest of England for the same group. Outer London and the fringe area offer intermediate rates. This reflects the higher cost of living and competition for staff in the capital.

For example, a Group 3 headteacher (typical for a medium primary) earns:

• Rest of England: £66,368 – £90,255 (2025 figures)
• Inner London: £76,154 – £99,951
• Outer London: £70,473 – £94,322
• Fringe: £67,796 – £91,676

These differences are set nationally and are non-negotiable for maintained schools.

Pension and Tax Considerations

Headteachers in maintained schools are enrolled in the Teachers’ Pension Scheme. Contribution rates for 2026/27 are:

• 10.5% on earnings up to £76,572.99
• 11.6% on earnings between £76,573 and £104,413.99
• 12% on earnings above £104,413.99

These contributions are taken from gross pay before tax, reducing your taxable income. For a headteacher earning £85,000 (within Group 5), the pension contribution would be 11.6%, or £9,860 per year. After tax and National Insurance, take-home pay would be around £53,941 annually (£4,495 per month), according to salarytax.uk calculations.

Income tax is charged at 20% on the basic rate band (£12,571–£50,270) and 40% above that. The personal allowance taper begins at £100,000 adjusted net income, which affects headteachers in higher groups.

How to Find the Exact Salary for a Specific Role

If you’re applying for a primary headteacher position, the job advert should state the headteacher group and the pay range. You can also check the school’s latest published accounts or ask the governing body. For more detailed salary data across professions, visit our salary data page.

Summary

The primary school head teacher salary in England ranges from about £60,619 to over £158,000 depending on school size and location. Most primary heads fall in Groups 1–4, with salaries between £60,619 and £97,136 (excluding London). London weighting adds a significant premium. While the role is demanding, it offers competitive pay, a generous pension, and the opportunity to shape young people’s education.

For more articles on UK pay, see our salary articles.