In this blog, you will learn:
- What a Headteacher does.
- What a Principal does.
- The difference between a Headteacher and a Principal.
Where the latest Headteacher jobs are and how to apply for them.
According to Statista there were approximately 50,700 Headteachers and Principals working in the United Kingdom in the second quarter of 2024, compared with 43,500 in the previous quarter. But what is the difference between a Headteacher and a Principal? Is there actually a difference?
Throughout this blog, you’ll discover everything you need to know about Headteachers and school Principals including the responsibilities and key differences.
What is the difference between a Headteacher and Principal?
Headteachers have interchangeable names including Headmaster or Headmistress as well as Principal, however the role and the responsibilities are the same.
By definition a Headteacher is traditionally someone who is in charge of a school and is more commonly used in UK schools. The term Principal originally was used more in America, but over the last few years it has been used in the UK to refer to a leader or a person in charge of academies, multi-academy trusts, higher secondary or senior secondary schools.
Headteacher jobs are usually advertised more than Principals, and both can have deputy or assistant positions.
What is the role of a Headteacher and Principal?
The role of a Headteacher or a Principal is to provide leadership, direction and coordination within the school. Their main focus is to ensure the school runs efficiently and to promote the high quality teaching, learning and education for their pupils.
As school leaders, they work with colleagues, such as Deputy Headteachers, Teachers, Teaching Assistants and support staff, as well as local authorities, board of governors, academy trusts, and charities. Headteachers and Principals must act as leading professionals and role models for the communities they serve.
Headteachers and Principals typically work in an office environment, however some may occasionally get involved with classroom activities and teach pupils in the classroom. Being a Principal or Headteacher can have its challenges such as recruitment and retention as well as maintaining the wellbeing of students and school staff.
Education and SEND recruitment specialists
As specialist education recruiters, we support mainstream and SEND schools with teaching, support, senior leadership and facilities staff on a daily, temporary, temp-perm and permanent basis. If you're struggling to recruit the right talent, simply request a call back and one of our experienced recruiters will contact you to discuss how we can help.
Looking for your next job in education? Either search the latest jobs or upload your CV and one of our consultants will be in touch when a suitable opportunity arises.