Salary guide
How much does a principal make in the United Kingdom?
Average base salary
£82,000 per year
per year in United Kingdom · STPCD Leadership scale
Head of an academy or college. Equivalent to headteacher in maintained schools.
Where principals earn the most across the UK.
Assistant Head of Sixth Form
Average
£55,500 per year
See assistant head of sixth form jobs
Assistant Head of Year
Average
£55,500 per year
See assistant head of year jobs
Assistant Headteacher
Average
£55,500 per year
See assistant headteacher jobs
Assistant Principal
Average
£78,500 per year
See assistant principal jobs
Associate Assistant Headteacher
Average
£78,500 per year
See associate assistant headteacher jobs
Associate Headteacher
Average
£78,500 per year
See associate headteacher jobs
The average salary for a principal in the United Kingdom is £82,000 per year. Pay typically ranges from £60,000 per year to £120,000 per year depending on experience, phase and location.
Principals in Inner London and Outer London typically earn the most, with pay boosted by London weighting. See the "Highest paying cities" section above for a full breakdown.
Principal pay is set by STPCD Leadership scale.
Live UK principal vacancies from schools, trusts and agencies.
Browse Principal jobs