Primary school head teacher
Also known as: headmaster of primary school, headteacher of primary school, primary education headteacher, primary school headmaster, primary school principal, head teacher of primary school
About this occupation
Primary school head teachers manage the day-to-day activities of a primary school or elementary school. They manage staff, make decisions concerning admissions and are responsible for meeting curriculum standards, which are age-appropriate for primary school students and facilitate social and academic development education. They also ensure the school meets the national education requirements set by law.
A specialisation of headteacher.
Essential skills and knowledge
- show an exemplary leading role in an organisation
- guarantee students' safety
- curriculum objectives
- project management
- manage school budget
- pedagogy
- develop organisational policies
- write work-related reports
- analyse staff capacity
- monitor educational developments
- liaise with educational support staff
- represent the organisation
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare (O*NET 11-9031.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Recruit, hire, train, and evaluate primary and supplemental staff and recommend personnel actions for programs and services.
- Confer with parents and staff to discuss educational activities and policies and students' behavioral or learning problems.
- Teach classes or courses or provide direct care to children.
- Determine allocations of funds for staff, supplies, materials, and equipment and authorize purchases.
- Direct and coordinate activities of teachers or administrators at daycare centers, schools, public agencies, or institutions.
- Monitor students' progress and provide students and teachers with assistance in resolving any problems.
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Social, Enterprising, Conventional
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Social Perceptiveness, Writing
US median pay: US$59,300 a year (2025), 73,660 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementVery important (4.5)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.9)
- PsychologyO*NET: PsychologyVery important (3.6)
- Economics or AccountingO*NET: Economics and AccountingImportant (3.3)
- SociologyO*NET: Sociology and AnthropologyImportant (3.1)
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentImportant (3.0)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education
- Social and Community Service Managers
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education
- Health Education Specialists
- Instructional Coordinators
- Training and Development Managers
- Special Education Teachers, Elementary School
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.