How Much Does a Headteacher Earn in London?
17 Feb, 2025
Can a Headteacher Be Sacked?
17 Feb, 20251-2 minutes
In this blog, you will learn:
- If a Headteacher can be sacked.
- What a Headteacher can be sacked for.
- If Ofsted can sack a Headteacher
- Where the latest Headteacher jobs are and how to apply for them.
Headteachers play a crucial role in managing a school and maintaining high educational standards, but what happens when they fail their responsibilities?
From gross misconduct to financial mismanagement, discover why a Headteacher can be sacked and who is responsible for sacking them.
Can a Headteacher be sacked?
Yes, a Headteacher can be sacked. The process of sacking a Headteacher usually involves an investigation of the reasons for dismissal, followed by a disciplinary hearing. If major issues are found, the governing body will review the evidence and allow the Headteacher to have their say. The process of sacking a Headteacher must follow employment laws to prevent unfair dismissal claims.
What can a Headteacher be sacked for?
A Headteacher can be sacked for:
- Gross misconduct.
- Failure to meet expectations.
- Financial mismanagement.
- Breaking employment contract.
Gross misconduct
Headteachers can be sacked for gross misconduct which includes fraud, theft, physical or verbal abuse towards students, parents and staff, falsifying documents and sexual misconduct. Headteachers also have a legal duty to ensure the safety of students so failing to act on safeguarding concerns can lead to them being sacked.
Failure to meet expectations
A Headteacher can be sacked for failing to meet expectations as it’s their responsibility to ensure high educational standards and effectively manage a school. If a Headteacher fails to meet expectations such as poor decision making, failing to support staff and students or not maintaining a safe learning environment, it can negatively impact staff, students and the schools performance.
Continuous issues like poor staff retention, falling academic results or repeated negative Ofsted inspections are also indicators of failure to meet expectations.
Financial mismanagement
It is the Headteachers responsibility to manage the schools budget and ensure that their funds are allocated accordingly. Financial mismanagement can include making unauthorised purchases, overspending, misuses of funds or failure to adhere to financial regulations. If a Headteacher fails to handle finances properly, they may face dismissal.
Breaking employment contract
A Headtecahers employment contract will outline their responsibilities and expectations. Headteachers play a huge role in keeping the school running so if they consistently fail to meet the requirements on their contract, they can be dismissed. This includes taking unauthorised absences, violating terms of their employment or neglecting their fundamental duties.
Can Ofsted sack a Headteacher?
No, Ofsted cannot sack a Headteacher as they don’t have the legal authority to directly fire employees. With that being said, poor Ofsted ratings can lead to a Headteacher resigning or governing bodies taking action.
Headteacher jobs
If you’re searching for your next Headteacher position, why not take a look at the latest Headteacher jobs, or simply upload your CV to be notified when a relevant position becomes available.
Struggling to recruit a Headteacher?
As a specialist Headteacher recruitment agency, we support mainstream and SEND schools, Multi Academy Trusts, Alternative Provisions and Pupil Referral Units (PRU) with their recruitment needs.
If you’re struggling to fill a Headteacher vacancy, why not get in touch with one of our team to see how we can help?
- North of the UK - Jamie Heath
- South of the UK - Dane Matthews
Meet Jamie Heath
Who is Spencer Clarke Group?
Established in 2017, we’re an award winning and progressive recruitment agency based in the heart of the North West. Our reputation is built on trust, expertise and an unwavering commitment to exceed expectations.
In 2024, we were named Recruitment Agency of the Year at the prestigious Recruiter Awards, an accolade we are extremely proud of.
We operate in two sectors:
In eleven specialisms:
Healthcare, Social Care & Nursing
Corporate Functions & Business Support
