Understanding how to become a headteacher involves obtaining Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), gaining extensive teaching experience, and progressing through leadership roles. Additionally, pursuing the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) can enhance your readiness for this vital position.

What Are the Main Types of Headteachers?

As the main school leader, a headteacher runs the school daily. They manage all teaching staff and help implement the school curriculum, ensuring that the school operates smoothly on a day-to-day basis and that students have everything they need.

Headteachers can be found in different types of schools, and their responsibilities may vary depending on the school’s structure. Here is an overview of the different types of headteachers:

• Primary School Headteacher: Primary headteachers oversee primary schools that cater to children aged 4 to 11. They are accountable for the academic and social development of young pupils and work closely with staff and parents to ensure a nurturing educational environment.
• Secondary School Headteacher: Secondary headteachers manage secondary schools for pupils aged 11 to 18. They oversee a larger number of staff and students, focusing on achieving good academic results and preparing students for exams such as GCSEs and A-Levels.
• Special School Headteacher: Special school headteachers work in schools for children with special educational needs (SEN), including physical disabilities, learning difficulties, or emotional and behavioural challenges. They ensure that the curriculum and teaching methods are adapted to meet each child’s individual needs.
• Academy Headteacher: Academies are independent, state-funded schools that are free from local authority control. Academy headteachers typically have greater responsibility for the school’s finances, curriculum, and policies compared to headteachers of community schools.
• Independent School Headteacher: The headteacher of an independent school oversees a school financed by tuition fees rather than government funding. They manage the academic programme, pastoral care, admissions, and financial sustainability while maintaining high educational standards.
• Faith School Headteacher: A headteacher of a faith school (such as a Catholic, Church of England, Jewish, or Muslim school) integrates religious values into various aspects of leadership, including the school’s curriculum, staff management, and policies.
• Executive Headteacher: An executive headteacher is responsible for a group of schools, typically within an academy trust or federation. They provide strategic leadership across multiple schools and support individual headteachers to ensure consistent educational standards.

What Does a Headteacher Do?

Headteachers are responsible for managing all aspects of a school, including:

• Managing the staff
• Planning and developing the school curriculum
• Overseeing the budget and ensuring resources are adequate
• Ensuring that the school provides good-quality education for all pupils

Headteachers are key to the school’s success, and all staff and pupils rely on them to perform their roles to the best of their ability. The responsibilities of headteachers play a crucial role in fostering an environment where everyone can thrive. Here is what a headteacher does:

• Provide Strategic Leadership: Headteachers determine the direction of the school. They work with staff, governors, and parents to develop the vision and aims of the school, as well as the strategy for achieving them in the long term.

• Manage Staff: Headteachers lead the recruitment, mentoring, and management of school staff, including teachers and support staff. Their responsibilities include leadership, performance reviews, and ensuring staff have professional development opportunities to improve their practice.
• Oversee Curriculum and Standards: The headteacher is responsible for ensuring that the school’s curriculum is appropriate, fit for purpose, and responsive to the needs of its students. They work with department heads to ensure the curriculum content is regularly reviewed and that students’ achievements are monitored, as they are held accountable against academic standards.
• Protect the Well-being of Students: Headteachers prioritise students’ well-being, leading on safeguarding policies, behaviour, and discipline, and ensuring that students have access to mental health and support services.
• Monitor Financial Management: The headteacher oversees the school’s finances, ensuring sufficient funds are allocated for teaching, learning, and students’ well-being. This includes decisions about staffing levels, facility maintenance, and the purchase of educational supplies.
• Establish and Maintain Links with Parents and Governors: Headteachers manage relationships with parents and the school’s governing body, keeping them informed about school policies, students’ progress, and challenges the school faces. They meet with governors periodically to provide updates on the school’s performance.
• Ensure Compliance with the Law: Headteachers play a crucial role in ensuring that the school complies with legal requirements, including those set by local, national, and education authority regulations, as well as Ofsted (the Office for Standards in Education) and other regulatory bodies.
• Promote the School: Headteachers ensure that the school’s best qualities are known to prospective parents, students, and the community. This involves building positive relationships with the local community and overseeing the admissions process.

Average Headteacher Salary

Headteacher salaries in the UK depend on several factors, such as the type of school, the region where the school is situated, and the experience of the headteacher. Headteachers working in larger schools or academies may receive higher salaries than those in smaller institutions.

Here is a general overview of typical headteacher salaries:

• Primary School Headteacher: In the UK, headteachers are paid about £50,000–£80,000 per year, depending on the size of the school and its location.
• Secondary School Headteacher: Salaries range from £65,000 to £110,000 per year, depending on the size of the school and whether it is independent or an academy. Those on the higher end of the scale typically work in larger secondary schools, academies, or independent schools.
• Special School Headteacher: Salaries for special school headteachers range from £55,000 to £95,000, depending on the size and complexity of the school.
• Executive Headteacher: An executive headteacher overseeing multiple schools earns between £90,000 and £150,000, with the potential to earn more depending on the number of schools and their performance.

Essential Skills of a Headteacher 

Throughout our careers in education, we’ve taken on various responsibilities, yet the role of a headteacher presents unique challenges that demand exceptional organisational skills.

To begin with, a headteacher is responsible for overseeing a diverse team, which includes teachers, support staff, and parents. This role involves delegating tasks, fostering effective communication among team members, and providing guidance. Additionally, headteachers are required to make difficult decisions that take into account students, staff, budgets, and other important factors. Moreover, they must create a welcoming and well-structured environment for students to thrive.

For instance, if a student were to get lost within the school, it would be the headteacher’s duty to ensure that the school’s layout is intuitive and easy to navigate. This includes having clearly marked corridors and signage directing students to their classrooms. They should also offer support to the student until they find their way.

• Leadership Skills: A headteacher must act as a leader for both staff and students, inspiring and motivating the school community toward a shared vision for the future. They guide everyone in achieving specific academic and personal development goals.
• Communication Skills: Clear communication is essential for headteachers, who must engage with a variety of stakeholders, including staff, parents, students, and members of the public. This often involves explaining complex issues, addressing concerns, and building strong relationships.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Headteachers juggle numerous responsibilities, from financial management to addressing practical and personal challenges, such as budgeting and handling student behaviour issues.
• Organisational Skills: Keeping track of various aspects of school life—such as staffing, budgeting, and maintaining academic standards—requires exceptional organisational abilities.
• Financial Management: A solid understanding of financial management is crucial for headteachers to effectively allocate resources. This ensures that the school’s budget supports its educational objectives, including investment in staff, facilities maintenance, and student welfare.
• Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: Headteachers are expected to demonstrate high levels of emotional intelligence, showing empathy towards staff, students, and parents. They must be attuned to social and emotional issues while upholding the highest standards of behaviour and performance.
• Passion for Learning and Student Development: A genuine passion for education is vital for headteachers. They must be dedicated to the learning process and care deeply about the well-being of their students.

Tips For Headteacher 

Here are some practical tips for aspiring headteachers who want to build a successful career in school leadership:

1. Share your vision and let others contribute.
2. Stick to your commitments.
3. Read and learn from history.
4. Keep things in perspective.
5. Find opportunities to seize the day.
6. Remember that a positive attitude leads to positive outcomes.
7. Maintain your sense of purpose.
8. Involve your staff in the process.
9. Be honest and follow through on your promises.
10. Lead with enthusiasm and energy.

• Leadership Experience: It is easier to become a headteacher if you have prior leadership experience, such as serving as a deputy headteacher, assistant headteacher, or head of department.
• Professional Development: Headteachers should continue learning. Consider taking leadership training courses, attending workshops, and participating in conferences to enhance your management, curriculum, and staff leadership skills.
• Have a Vision for Education: A headteacher needs to be a visionary leader with a clear understanding of the school’s direction. Work on developing your educational philosophy and creating a school vision that inspires staff, students, and parents.
• Cultivate Good Relationships: The strength of your relationships with staff members, students, parents, and the wider community will significantly influence your success as a headteacher. Build trust, promote communication, and foster collaboration to create a positive school ethos.
• Keep Up with Educational Trends: Stay informed about the latest educational developments, including changes in the curriculum, innovative teaching methods, and new government regulations. Understand how these new policies can benefit your school.

Requirements for Headteacher

An aspiring headteacher in Britain is usually required to have a specific number of educational qualifications, years of teaching experience, and a level of leadership ability. Here are the common qualification requirements for headteachers:

• Qualification for Teaching: All headteachers must have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in the UK. To obtain this, you can complete a degree in education or a postgraduate teacher training qualification, such as a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).

• Experience as a Teacher: Before being appointed headteacher, substantial teaching experience is necessary. Most headteachers have typically taught for 10 years or more, including some leadership experience as a department head or deputy headteacher.

• National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH): While not mandatory, this qualification is strongly recommended as preparation for headship. It focuses on school leadership skills, financial management, and educational strategy.

• Leadership Experience: Experience in a senior leadership role, such as deputy headteacher or assistant headteacher, is essential as it helps develop the skills needed to lead a school.

How to Become a Headteacher

If you aspire to become a headteacher, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Believe you belong in the role.
2. Ensure the people around you believe it, too.
3. Don’t let any roadblocks stand in your way.
4. Spread the belief.
5. Stand firm.
6. Don’t waver.
7. Hold fast to your beliefs.
8. Do what it takes.

• Gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS): First, you must obtain QTS, which can be achieved through a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), or another teacher training programme. You will also need to pass the necessary teaching qualification tests.
• Get Classroom Teaching Experience: Once you have QTS, spend 3-5 years teaching in your classroom. Build a portfolio of strong pedagogical skills and a deep understanding of the education system. Ideally, take on additional responsibilities, such as being a subject lead or engaging in extra-curricular activities to gain leadership experience.
• Make the Step Up to Middle Leadership: If you aspire to headship, seek roles as a middle leader, such as Head of Department, Year Group Leader, or Head of Key Stage. These positions will allow you to practice leadership and manage teams of teachers, which are essential skills for headship.
• Next Step: Senior Leadership: After working in middle leadership roles, aim for Deputy Headteacher or Assistant Headteacher positions. Here, you will work alongside the current headteacher to run the school and learn about the headteacher’s role, preparing you for your next step.
• Complete an NPQH (National Professional Qualification for Headship): Although not compulsory, the NPQH is a highly regarded qualification in the UK for headship. It covers key aspects of the role, including financial management, strategic leadership, and curriculum leadership. Completing the NPQH will enhance your chances of securing a headship and provide you with the necessary knowledge for the role.
• Apply for Headteacher Posts: Once you have accumulated sufficient teaching and leadership experience, apply for headteacher positions. Tailor your CV to emphasise your leadership accomplishments, vision for the future regarding school strategy and educational outcomes, and your track record in improving teaching, learning, and overall school performance.
• Interview Preparation: Headteacher interviews can be challenging and often involve multiple stages, including panel interviews with school governors, staff, and sometimes students. Be prepared to discuss how you would develop your leadership philosophy, manage the budget, and raise student achievement. Demonstrate your ability to make strategic decisions and provide clear, forward-thinking leadership.
• Focus on CPD (Continuous Professional Development): Even after securing a headteacher post, it’s important to continue investing in your professional development. Attend workshops, seminars, conferences, and training sessions to stay updated on educational policy, teaching pedagogies, and school management practices. Networking with other headteachers will allow you to learn from each other’s experiences.

Get Qualified as a Headteacher 

Lesson Planning for Teaching, Teacher Training Techniques, English Teacher – English Language Teaching Fundamentals, SEN Teacher- CPD Accredited

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Should You Become a Headteacher?

Being a headteacher allows you to set the direction of students’ learning, lead the staff, and make a meaningful difference in the school community. It is a rewarding role that enables you to create a positive learning environment for students and help shape their futures.

Is Being a Headteacher a Good Career Choice for You?

If you are passionate about education, can lead a team, and manage resources effectively, the role of headteacher can be full of challenges and opportunities. Like any position, it brings its rewards—especially if you enjoy making strategic decisions and leading a school.

Average Headteacher Salaries

The salary of a headteacher in the UK ranges from £50,000 to £150,000 per year, depending on the size of the school, its location, and the headteacher’s experience. Generally, larger schools are more likely to be academies (state-funded schools with greater management freedom) or independent schools (private schools), which typically offer higher salaries.

Which Qualifications Can Help with a Career as a Headteacher?

The primary qualification for headship is Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), followed by the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH). Obtaining the NPQH can fast-track your career and provide valuable training for the role.

Do I Need Experience to Get Started as a Headteacher?

Yes, extensive experience is essential before becoming a headteacher. You generally start as a classroom teacher, then progress to roles such as Head of Department (similar to an assistant principal), followed by several years in senior leadership positions (such as deputy headteacher) before you can apply for a headteacher role.

Headteacher Career Outlook

The demand for experienced and qualified headteachers in the UK continues to rise. The education sector will always need highly skilled leaders to manage schools, help pupils achieve good results, and provide essential care for children.

Headteacher Hierarchy and Progressing Within the Role

Some headteachers may advance to become executive headteachers, leading several schools within a trust or academy chain, or transition into educational consultancy roles, assisting local schools in improving performance or taking on positions with local education authorities.

Headteacher Exit Options and Opportunities

Headteachers wishing to leave school leadership can pursue careers in educational consultancy, policy-making, or teacher and leadership training. Alternatively, they may move into roles within government or educational charities, contributing to the development of education policy.