Headteacher
The leader of a school, responsible for its day-to-day running, staff, standards and finances. Often shortened to head.
- Used in
- All four UK nations (details may differ)
- Topic
- School roles
Being checked against official sources. This definition is written in our own words; always check the official guidance for your country.
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Related terms
- Head of school England
- A leader responsible for the day-to-day running of one school, often working under an executive headteacher or trust leader.
- Executive headteacher England
- A headteacher who leads more than one school, or who leads a school with a head of school under them.
- Principal All four UK nations (details may differ) United States
- In the US, the title for a school's leader. In the UK it is often used for college leaders and for headteachers of academies.
- Senior leadership team (SLT) All four UK nations (details may differ)
- The group of senior leaders in a school, typically the headteacher, deputies, assistant heads and sometimes the business manager.
More terms: School roles
Head of faculty · Head of house · Head of year · Invigilator · Key stage leader · Learning mentor
More terms starting with H · Education glossary A–Z · Get a TIP for your class
Definitions are written by Classfern in our own words for teachers in the UK and the US. They are short explanations, not legal or official definitions: always check the official guidance for your country, nation or state. Classfern is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government department, inspectorate or exam board named here.