Primary School Head Teacher Salary: A Complete Guide for 2026-27

Primary School Head Teacher Salary: What You Need to Know

If you are considering a career in school leadership or are simply curious about how much a primary school head teacher earns, this guide breaks down the official pay scales, location allowances, and factors that influence salary. We draw on the latest government documents and reputable sources to give you a clear picture.

Statutory Pay Ranges for Head Teachers

For maintained schools (those funded by local authorities) in England, head teacher salaries are governed by the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD). The 2025 document sets out eight headteacher groups, each with a minimum and maximum annual salary. Primary schools typically fall into groups 1 to 4, though larger or more complex primaries may be in higher groups.

For England excluding London, the 2025 ranges for groups 1–4 are:

• Group 1: £58,569 – £77,924
• Group 2: £61,534 – £83,860
• Group 3: £66,368 – £90,255
• Group 4: £71,330 – £97,136

These figures are from the STPCD 2025, as cited by the Walbrook guide. The GOV.UK guidance for 2026-27 gives slightly higher headline ranges (e.g., £60,619 to £148,829 for all headteachers in England excluding London), reflecting annual updates and the inclusion of higher groups.

Location Allowances

Where the school is located has a major impact on the primary school head teacher salary. London allowances are substantial:

• Inner London: Group 1 starts at £68,361, Group 4 at £81,120, and the highest group (Group 8) reaches £153,490.
• Outer London: Group 1 starts at £62,677, Group 4 at £75,433.
• London fringe: Group 1 starts at £60,001, Group 4 at £72,763.

These allowances reflect the higher cost of living in the capital. The Tes analysis confirms that headteachers in Inner London can earn up to £158,862.

How Primary Schools Are Assigned a Headteacher Group

The headteacher group is determined by the school’s pupil numbers, with additional weighting for pupils with special educational needs, nursery pupils, and sixth form students. A typical primary school with 200–400 pupils might be in Group 2 or 3. A large primary with over 500 pupils could be in Group 4 or even Group 5. The governing body must assign the school to a group and then set an individual pay range within that group, taking into account the specific responsibilities and challenges of the role.

Comparison with Classroom Teacher Salaries

To put the primary school head teacher salary in context, a qualified classroom teacher on the main pay range in England (excluding London) earns between £32,916 and £45,352 (2025 rates). After five years, a typical teacher could earn at least £46,960 (GOV.UK guidance). A head teacher, even in the smallest primary school, starts at over £58,000 – a clear jump reflecting the leadership responsibility.

Take-Home Pay Considerations

Gross salary is not the same as take-home pay. Deductions include income tax, National Insurance, and pension contributions (teachers in the Teachers’ Pension Scheme contribute around 9.4% of salary). For example, a head teacher on £70,000 gross might take home approximately £50,000 after tax and NI, depending on personal allowances. Always check your contract and use a take-home pay calculator for precise figures.

Eligibility and Progression

To become a primary school head teacher, you must have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and substantial teaching experience, often including time as a deputy head. There is no age band for the role – eligibility is based on qualifications and experience. Pay progression within the headteacher group is not automatic; it depends on performance management reviews. Some head teachers move to larger schools or take on additional responsibilities to increase their salary.

For more on how pay scales work across different roles, see our pay guides. You can also explore pay data for other education positions.

Summary

The primary school head teacher salary in England varies widely, but the framework is transparent. For maintained schools, expect a range of roughly £58,500 to £97,000 for most primary heads, with London allowances adding £5,000–£15,000. Academies may offer different rates, but many follow the STPCD. If you are aiming for headship, understand that your salary will reflect the size and location of your school, as well as your performance.

For the latest statutory rates, always refer to official GOV.UK guidance. Remember that these figures are for orientation; actual pay depends on your specific role and contract.