Deputy and assistant headteacher salary 2026/27
Deputy and assistant heads are paid on a five-point range on the leadership spine, set by the governing body. Here is what points on the spine pay from 1 September 2026.
Leadership spine points
| Point | Outside London | Inner London | Take-home a month |
|---|---|---|---|
| L1 | £53,586 | £63,709 | £3,171 |
| L5 | £59,137 | £69,278 | £3,428 |
| L10 | £66,956 | £77,086 | £3,764 |
| L15 | £75,664 | £85,790 | £4,140 |
| L20 | £85,547 | £95,683 | £4,518 |
| L25 | £96,694 | £106,824 | £4,993 |
Take-home is outside London. There is no national pay point for a deputy or assistant head: the school picks the range, and the top of it must not go above the head’s group maximum.
What deputy and assistant heads do
Deputy and assistant heads make up the senior leadership team with the headteacher. The deputy usually stands in for the head and leads a big area of the school. Assistant heads lead areas such as behaviour, a key stage, the curriculum, data or teaching quality. Most still teach part of the week.
Typical duties
- Leading a whole-school area and the staff who work in it.
- Managing behaviour, attendance or safeguarding, often as a designated safeguarding lead.
- Observing lessons, coaching teachers and running training.
- Analysing data and planning improvements.
- Covering for the head and taking part in Ofsted inspections.
How to get there
Most move up from a middle leadership role, such as head of department or year, often with a TLR. National professional qualifications in senior leadership (NPQSL) and specialist areas help, but are not required.
Common questions
What is the difference between a deputy head and an assistant head?
The deputy head is usually second in charge and stands in for the head. Assistant heads lead specific areas of the school. Both are paid on the leadership spine.
How much does a deputy head earn?
It depends on the school. Most deputy heads are paid somewhere between L10 and L25, which is about £67,000 to £97,000 outside London from September 2026.
How much does an assistant head earn?
Assistant heads usually start lower on the leadership spine. L1 is £53,586 outside London, which is about £3,171 a month after deductions.