How Much Do Assistant Headteachers Earn?

1-2 minutes

In this blog, you will learn:

  • What an Assistant Headteacher is.
  • If Assistant Headteachers teach.
  • How much Assistant Headteachers earn.
  • The factors that can affect Assistant Headteacher salaries.
  • Where the latest Assistant Headteacher jobs are and how to apply for them.


Looking to take the next step in your education career and become an Assistant Headteacher? The role of an Assistant Headteacher is rewarding and full of opportunities - but how much do they earn? 

We've created a comprehensive guide covering everything you need to know about Assistant Headteacher salaries. From exploring the factors that affect pay to breaking down average salaries across different locations, we’ve got you covered!


What is an Assistant Headteacher

An Assistant Headteacher is a senior education professional who supports a Headteacher in implementing school policies and managing daily operations. 

Assistant Headteachers play a key role in creating a safe, fun and educational learning environment for their students. They often lead specific areas of a school such as data or pastoral care and monitor teaching and learning. They also oversee areas such as student welfare, curriculum development and staff management. 


How much do Assistant Headteachers earn?

In the UK, the average salary for an Assistant Headteacher is £55,836, however this can vary significantly depending on several factors. 

Key factors affecting an Assistant Headteacher salary include:

  • Location - Salaries can differ widely across regions due to the cost of living and local authority budgets.
  • Qualifications - Advanced qualifications such as a National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL) can increase earning potential as those with advanced qualifications may be able to take on more responsibilities and show a deeper understanding of leadership and education management.
  • Experience - The number of years that an individual has spent in a leadership or teaching role can impact salary levels as they’re expected to have more overall experience in jobs such as overseeing budgets, managing staff and dealing with inspections. 
  • School type and size - The school type and size can affect the salary due to budget variations, market competitiveness and funding models. Different types of schools include academies, faith schools and private schools. 


The average salary for Assistant Headteachers in different locations across the UK

The average salary* for Assistant Headteachers varies across the UK:

  • London - Between £55,836 and £67,500 per year.
  • South East - £50,471 per year.
  • North West - £58,808 per year. 
  • South West - £45,674 per year.
  • East - £52,025 per year.
  • Midlands - £45,846 per year. 
  • Yorkshire and the Humber - £47,198 per year. 
  • Wales - £52,074 per year. 

*Salary data extracted from GlassDoor and checkasalary.co.uk


Do Assistant Headteachers teach?

Yes, Assistant Headteachers often teach in the classroom to fill gaps in the timetable, however their main responsibility is to support the Headteacher in managing the school. 

The dual responsibilities of an Assistant Headteacher can help them to model effective teaching practices and engage with classroom dynamics. 

With this being said, the amount of teaching Assistant Headteachers carry out may decrease as their administrative responsibilities increase. 


Assistant Headteacher jobs

If you’re searching for your next Assistant Headteacher position, why not take a look at the latest Assistant Headteacher jobs, or simply upload your CV to be notified when a relevant position becomes available. 


Struggling to recruit an Assistant 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?


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. 

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