In this blog, you will learn:
What a Headteacher is.
What the responsibilities of a Headteacher are.
What qualifications a Headteacher needs.
What skills a Headteacher needs.
Who employs a Headteacher.
The average salary of a Headteacher.
Where the latest Headteacher jobs are and how to apply for them.
What is the role of a Headteacher?
A Headteacher manages and oversees the general running of a school ensuring all teachers and staff deliver the highest standard of education.
As well as creating a safe and successful environment for all students and staff to thrive, a Headteacher will also be responsible for the overall performance of the school ensuring that it meets statutory obligations.
What are the responsibilities of a Headteacher?
While working as a Headteacher, you will be required to:
Set the school’s values and its strategic direction.
Manage the school’s budget.
Ensure the safety of all staff and students within the school.
Liaise with external bodies such as Local Authorities when requested.
Organise and oversee staff training.
Measure and monitor the school’s performance and develop action plans when necessary.
Ensure the school follows the national curriculum set by the department of education.
Manage the day-to-day running of the school.
Lead by example for staff and students.
Delegate tasks.
Recruitment of faculty.
Maintain and develop relationships with parents and governing bodies.
Create positive relationships within the community.
Enrol staff on training courses when necessary.
What qualifications does a Headteacher need?
Before progressing to a role as a Headteacher, you will need to hold a valid teaching qualification (either a PGCE in education or a teaching degree) and have experience working as a teacher within a school for a number of years.
You will also need experience working at a senior level (such as a deputy head) and the time frame of this progression largely depends on factors such as the size of the school, when opportunities for career progression arise, and personal development.
Additional training in educational leadership or management will also help your application.
What skills does a Headteacher need?
Key skills of a Headteacher include:
Leadership skills.
Good IT, literacy and numeracy skills.
Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
Time management skills.
Organised.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Problem-solving.
Motivational and inspirational.
The ability to develop positive relationships.
The ability to delegate tasks.
Optimistic.
Role awareness.
Coaching.
Business management skills.
Working well under pressure.
Who employs a Headteacher?
A Headteacher is typically employed by a school or educational institution, such as a primary school, secondary school, or college.
Every school, whether it be public or private, or primary or secondary, needs to appoint a Headteacher. Headteacher positions are appointed by a governing board or the governing body which oversees the school or institution.
Private schools may be run by their owner with no governing body.
Average salary of a Headteacher
The salary of a Headteacher in the UK can vary depending on a number of factors such as the size of the school, the location of the school, and the experience of the Headteacher.
According to the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), the current pay range for a Headteacher in England and Wales is between £59,000 and £140,000 per annum.
However, this range can vary based on the factors mentioned above. It's worth noting that these figures are for state-funded schools in England and Wales, and private schools may offer different salary packages.