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Do You Need a Master's To Become a Headteacher?
24 Mar, 20251-2 minutes
In this blog, you will learn:
- If you need a master's to become a Headteacher.
- Why a master's is not required to become a Headteacher.
- Why it can be beneficial for a Headteacher to have a master's.
- Where the latest Headteacher jobs are and how to apply for them.
Curious to know whether you need a master's degree to become a Headteacher? As an aspiring Headteacher you may be wondering whether a master's degree is essential or if skills and experience matter more.
That’s where we come in to help. Throughout this blog we’re exploring whether you need a master's to become a Headteacher, what the benefits of having a master's degree are and if Headteachers with a master's degree earn a higher salary.
Do you need a master's to become a Headteacher?
No, you are not required to have a master's degree to become a Headteacher in the UK.
However, pursuing a master's degree is highly recommended for aspiring Headteachers as it provides you with a strong foundation of knowledge in leadership concepts and educational theory.
Why is it not a requirement to have a master's to become a Headteacher?
Having a master's is not a requirement as Headteachers are usually hired based on their skills and experience rather than qualifications. If you’re looking to gain more experience in the education sector, but don’t have the time to complete a master's, one of the best ways to do so is through leadership training such as the National Professional Qualification for Headship.
You can also gain experience in other education leadership roles first, such as the role of an Assistant Headteacher or Deputy Headteacher.
The benefits of Headteachers having a master's
Having a master's degree in education or a related field can be beneficial for Headteachers looking for a new job as it can open doors to many opportunities and make you more valuable to a school who are hiring.
A master's can also provide you with valuable skills and knowledge that can help to enhance your leadership capabilities. When applying for Headteacher jobs, having a master's on your CV can set you apart from other candidates as it shows that you willingly take part in professional development to advance your skills and knowledge which will stand out to schools.
Having a master's can also strengthen your knowledge of educational theories, policies and management strategies. As well as that, a master's gives you the opportunity to engage in the latest research in education, helping you implement new strategies to improve teaching methods at your school.
Do Headteachers with a master's earn more?
Having a master's doesn’t exactly mean you will earn a higher salary as Headteacher salaries are based on school size, school type, responsibilities and performance. With that being said, a master's enhances your qualifications and skills which can make you eligible for salary increases or bonuses.
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
