2321 Head teachers and principals: SOC 2020 occupation code

In short

ONS unit group 2321, in minor group 232 (Other educational professionals) and major group 2 (Professional occupations).
Appendix Skilled Occupations (figures as at 3 August 2026, re-checked 26 October 2026): On the list: Table 3.
Going rate as the table prints it:
- Table 3: a national pay scale, set out in the table below.

What the ONS says

Description

Head teachers and principals plan, organise, direct and co-ordinate the running of schools, colleges and other educational establishments.

Typical entry routes

Entrants usually possess a degree or equivalent qualification and have gained significant relevant experience in the field of education. Specialist training courses to become a head teacher are available. A DBS check may be required.

Tasks

sets the school's values, provides leadership to staff and helps create an encouraging environment for learning
considers staffing, financial, material and other short- and long-term needs
leads or contributes to decision making processes regarding curricula, budgetary, disciplinary and other matters
monitors schools performance and sets goals for student's academic achievements
liaises with parents and pupils
assists with recruitment, public relations and marketing activities
coordinates and maintains quality assurance procedures

Related job titles

Head master (secondary school)
Head teacher (primary school)
Principal (further education)
Rector (university)

What the Appendix Skilled Occupations says

The Appendix lists this code in the table below, with the table’s own caption and the row as printed. Read the full table, and any condition in it, on GOV.UK.

Table 3: Eligible health and education SOC 2020 occupation codes where going rates are based on national pay scales

SOC 2020 occupation code

2321 Head teachers and principals

Equivalent SOC 2010 occupation code(s)

2317

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

Head master (secondary school)
Head teacher (primary school)
Principal (further education)
Rector (university)

Going rate (annual)

See relevant pay band in Table 5

Table 5: Going rates for listed education SOC 2020 occupation codes by administration and role

Role	England (excluding London / Fringe)	London Fringe	Outer London	Inner London	Scotland	Wales	Northern Ireland
Unqualified teachers / Probationers	£21,731	£23,140	£25,758	£27,252	£33,594	£21,812	-
Qualified teachers	£31,650	£33,075	£36,413	£38,766	£40,305	£32,433	£30,000
Chartered teachers	-	-	-	-	£52,158	-	-
Principal teachers	-	-	-	-	£55,155	-	-
Leadership group	£49,781	£51,151	£53,731	£59,186	-	£50,653	£47,241
Leading practitioner	£50,025	£51,403	£53,994	£59,478	-	£50,902	-
Head teacher	£56,316	£57,693	£60,266	£65,731	£62,556	£57,304	£53,309

Other unit groups in minor group 232

Sources

Occupation text: Office for National Statistics, SOC 2020 Volume 1: structure and descriptions of unit groups (file dated 27 August 2026, version V13). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Open Government Licence v3.0. Tables: Home Office, Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations on GOV.UK, page updated 3 August 2026; re-checked against the page updated 8 October 2026 on 26 October 2026, tables unchanged.

All 412 occupation codes

SponsorFlow provides compliance software and record-keeping tools. It is not a law firm or an immigration adviser and does not give legal or immigration advice, which are regulated activities (Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, section 84). This page describes what the published Home Office guidance and the Immigration Rules say, with the paragraph for each point, so you can read the source yourself. Guidance versions and figures are those in force on the date shown; the Home Office changes them, so check the current version before you rely on any of it.