Teachers Leadership Pay Scale 2026/27

Leadership pay is set within a range, not at a fixed point. The governing body decides the head teacher’s salary within the school’s group band, and the head teacher sets deputy/assistant head salaries within the overall range. TPS pension at leadership salaries is 10.2% to 12.7% depending on actual pensionable pay.

The overall Leadership Group range for 2026/27:

Within these ranges, the governing body decides the specific salary for head teachers based on the school group band, and head teachers set deputy/assistant head pay within the overall range.

The STPCD defines eight head teacher group bands based on the school’s total unit score (calculated from pupil numbers and age range). Smaller primary schools fall into Groups 1–2, while large secondary schools and all-through schools are typically Groups 6–8.

The governing body sets an Individual School Range (ISR) of at least seven consecutive points within the relevant group band. If the school’s circumstances make recruitment difficult, the governing body can set the ISR up to 25% above the group band maximum, subject to external advice.

Deputy and assistant heads are paid within the overall Leadership Group range (£53,586–£148,829 outside London). The head teacher recommends the salary, and the governing body approves it. There is no requirement for the deputy’s pay to be within the head teacher’s group band, but STPCD guidance expects reasonable differentials between roles.

A deputy head’s salary should not normally exceed the head teacher’s salary. The pay committee must ensure the structure reflects the relative responsibilities of each role.

The Leading Practitioner range is separate from the Leadership Group and rewards outstanding classroom practitioners. Outside London, it runs from £53,847 to £81,861. Schools have wide discretion in placing teachers within this range.

Leading practitioners model excellent teaching, coach colleagues, lead CPD and may work across multiple schools in a trust. The role provides a genuine career pathway for excellent teachers who want to progress without moving into management.

TPS pension contributions at leadership-level salaries are significant. At £80,000, the contribution rate is 11.7%, costing approximately £9,360 per year. At £120,000, the rate rises to 12.7%, costing approximately £15,240.

Head teachers earning above £100,000 also face the Personal Allowance taper, which creates an effective 60% marginal tax rate between £100,000 and £125,140. The [take-home pay calculator](/take-home-pay-calculator/) models this.

Leadership pay is set within ranges rather than fixed points. Governing bodies determine head teacher pay through group bands and ISRs, while deputy and assistant head pay sits within the overall Leadership Group range. For classroom teacher rates, see the [Main Pay Range](/teachers-main-pay-scale/) or [Upper Pay Range](/teachers-upper-pay-scale/) pages. Use the [take-home pay calculator](/take-home-pay-calculator/) for net pay at leadership salaries, particularly above £100,000 where the Personal Allowance taper applies.