Headteacher

Career path and progression

There are opportunities to move between different types and sizes of school due to the variety of schools in the UK.

You could also train to be an Ofsted inspector, an education adviser, or become a teacher training lecturer in a college or university.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• knowledge of English language
• leadership skills
• business management skills
• the ability to work well with others
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• customer service skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

Related subjects

Most relevant

• English Language - Headteachers communicate constantly – writing policies, delivering speeches, composing letters to parents, and producing reports for governors and inspectors. Clear, persuasive communication is central to setting a school's vision and ensuring everyone understands it.
• Business - Headteachers manage school budgets, oversee staffing, and make strategic decisions about how resources are allocated. They essentially run a large organisation, so understanding financial planning, leadership, and organisational management is directly relevant.
• Mathematics - Headteachers use data extensively to track student performance, analyse exam results, and monitor trends across the school. They also manage budgets worth millions of pounds, which requires confident handling of figures, percentages, and financial forecasts.
• Psychology - Headteachers need to understand how children learn, what motivates staff, and how to support students with different needs. Knowledge of child development, behaviour management, and mental health helps them create an environment where everyone can thrive.

Also relevant

• Sociology - Headteachers work with diverse communities and need to understand how factors like social background, inequality, and culture affect educational outcomes. This awareness helps them shape policies that give every student a fair chance to succeed.
• Economics - Headteachers make decisions about how to allocate limited resources across a school, balancing competing priorities like staffing, facilities, and student support. Understanding economic principles helps them plan strategically, especially when funding is tight.
• Politics - Headteachers operate within a framework of government education policy, from curriculum changes to inspection regimes. Understanding how policy is made and how political decisions affect schools helps them anticipate changes and advocate for their school community.
• Accounting - Headteachers are responsible for overseeing school finances, approving expenditure, and reporting to governors on the school's financial health. Understanding budgets, audits, and financial accountability helps them ensure money is spent wisely.