Everything you need to know about becoming a Headteacher

How to become a Headteacher

Experience in the Field
Becoming a headteacher typically follows a career as a teacher within a school setting.

Additionally, accumulating several years’ experience in senior managerial positions or as a deputy head is crucial. Professional development programs can aid in this journey. For instance, completing the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership and the National Professional Qualification for Headship can be beneficial.

Further Details
Enrollment
In England, possessing qualified teacher status (QTS) is generally necessary to teach in a state school.

How to become

Skills and Expertise you will need:

  • Comprehensive knowledge of teaching methodologies and the ability to design curriculum
  • Proficiency in the English language
  • Strong leadership capabilities
  • Skills in business management
  • Collaborative abilities and adeptness in teamwork
  • Adaptability and openness to change
  • Resilience to accept critique and perform well under pressure
    Customer service proficiency

Prerequisites include:
Successful completion of enhanced background checks

Day-to-day tasks

As a headteacher, you will:

  • Set the school’s values, strategic direction and vision
  • Work closely with students, staff, parents, governors and the community
  • Create a healthy and safe space for learning
  • Develop and monitor the quality of teaching
  • Use data to track performance and produce reports
  • Inspire and motivate staff and students
  • Control school finances and attend meetings, sometimes outside of usual working hours
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Great summary.

Just to add (from Prospects website " How much do teachers get paid?" (October 2022)):

Headteacher salary

The highest teaching salaries across the UK are paid to headteachers:

  • England (excluding London) and Wales - £50,122 to £123,057
  • London - £51,347 to £131,353
  • Scotland - £52,350 to £99,609
  • Northern Ireland - £47,381 to £117,497.

Public schools set their own rates of pay. State schools administer pay based on the age and number of children enrolled in the institution.

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