The Importance of the Head Teacher Role
As someone who has spent over 25 years helping professionals prepare for career-defining interviews, I can tell you that the Head Teacher role is one of the most rewarding and challenging leadership positions in education. A Head Teacher is not only responsible for managing staff, overseeing budgets, and driving educational outcomes, but also for shaping the culture and long-term vision of the school. It is a position that requires resilience, empathy, strong leadership, and exceptional communication skills.
Head Teacher Job Description and Salary
Typically, a Head Teacher is responsible for:
Leading teaching and learning across the whole school
Managing senior leadership teams and delegating responsibilities
Setting strategic goals and implementing improvement plans
Ensuring safeguarding and wellbeing of pupils
Managing finances, policies, and compliance with educational standards
Engaging with parents, governors, and the wider community
In the UK, salaries for Head Teachers vary depending on the size and type of school. For state-funded schools, salaries usually range from £50,000 to over £120,000, with London schools often paying at the higher end due to regional allowances. Independent schools may offer different structures, sometimes with additional benefits such as housing or private health cover.
With this level of responsibility and reward comes a rigorous interview process. Below, I will take you through 25 fully explained Head Teacher interview questions and answers, including competency-based questions, STAR model examples, and closing tips to help you succeed.
Sample Opening Questions and Answers
1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
This is often the ice-breaker. Focus on your professional journey, not your personal life.
Sample Answer: “I have over 15 years of teaching and leadership experience, starting as a classroom teacher, progressing to Deputy Head, and most recently acting as Interim Head. My focus has always been on raising standards, developing staff, and ensuring that every child has access to an inclusive and high-quality education.”
2. Why do you want to be the Head Teacher of our school?
This question tests your motivation and cultural fit.
Sample Answer: “I have followed your school’s journey, particularly your emphasis on community engagement and inclusion. I am passionate about leading a school that values diversity, innovation, and collaboration. I see an opportunity here to build on your strong foundations and drive further progress.”
3. What do you see as the biggest challenges facing schools today?
Be honest but solution-focused.
Sample Answer: “Schools face increasing pressures with funding, recruitment, and wellbeing. I believe the way forward is strong leadership that empowers staff, effective financial management, and a focus on wellbeing for both students and teachers. My approach has always been to balance accountability with compassion.”
Competency-Based Questions Using the STAR Model
Competency questions test your ability to demonstrate leadership skills through past experiences. Use the STAR model: Situation, Task, Action, Result.
4. Describe a time when you improved standards in your school.
Sample Answer:
Situation: “As Deputy Head at my previous school, pupil attainment in literacy was below national average.”
Task: “I was tasked with raising literacy levels within two academic years.”
Action: “I introduced a whole-school literacy programme, trained staff, and worked with parents to support reading at home.”
Result: “Within 18 months, literacy scores improved by 18% and Ofsted noted this as a key strength in their report.”
5. Tell us about a difficult staffing issue you managed.
Sample Answer:
Situation: “I inherited a team with inconsistent teaching standards.”
Task: “My responsibility was to address underperformance without damaging morale.”
Action: “I implemented coaching, peer observation, and clear performance targets.”
Result: “Within one year, lesson observations improved significantly, and two staff were promoted due to their progress.”
6. How have you demonstrated financial management skills?
Sample Answer:
Situation: “The school budget was overspent by 8%.”
Task: “I needed to bring finances back into balance while maintaining quality.”
Action: “I renegotiated supplier contracts, introduced energy-saving measures, and prioritised spending on teaching resources.”
Result: “The budget was balanced within one year, with additional funds reinvested in technology.”
More Common Head Teacher Interview Questions and Answers
7. How do you create a positive school culture?
Sample Answer: “I believe culture is shaped by consistent values. I model respectful communication, celebrate success, and ensure that wellbeing is prioritised. Creating a culture of trust and transparency is key.”
8. How do you measure school improvement?
Sample Answer: “I use both quantitative and qualitative measures, including exam results, pupil progress, attendance, staff retention, and feedback from parents. Data is important, but so is pupil wellbeing.”
9. How do you ensure safeguarding remains a priority?
Sample Answer: “I ensure that safeguarding policies are not just documents, but living practices. This means ongoing training, clear reporting procedures, and ensuring every adult in school understands their duty of care.”
10. What is your vision for our school in the next five years?
Sample Answer: “My vision is to build on your strengths in inclusion and community engagement, while raising standards in STEM subjects. I would also focus on wellbeing and developing leadership capacity across staff.”
11. How do you handle conflict among staff?
Sample Answer: “I believe in early intervention and open dialogue. I meet with staff individually, encourage mediation where possible, and ensure solutions are fair and aligned with school values.”
12. What experience do you have with Ofsted inspections?
Sample Answer: “I have led three successful Ofsted inspections, where my role included preparing staff, ensuring compliance, and leading on improvement plans. Each time, inspectors highlighted leadership as a strength.”
13. How do you engage parents and the wider community?
Sample Answer: “I host regular parent forums, encourage open communication, and involve local businesses and community leaders in school projects.”
14. How do you support staff professional development?
Sample Answer: “I believe in personalised CPD. I provide training opportunities, encourage coaching, and support staff who want to pursue higher qualifications.”
15. How would you deal with falling pupil numbers?
Sample Answer: “I would investigate the causes, review the school’s reputation, and implement marketing strategies such as open days, outreach programmes, and strengthening academic results to attract families.”
Advanced Leadership Questions
16. How do you balance accountability with teacher autonomy?
Sample Answer: “I set clear expectations and hold staff accountable, but I also give them space to innovate. Empowered teachers feel trusted and motivated to excel.”
17. What role does technology play in your vision of education?
Sample Answer: “Technology is an enabler, not a replacement. I integrate digital tools to support learning, track progress, and engage parents while ensuring equal access.”
18. How would you handle a situation where governors disagree with your strategy?
Sample Answer: “I would listen to their concerns, provide evidence, and be open to compromise. However, I would stand firm on decisions that directly impact pupil wellbeing and achievement.”
19. What do you believe is the most important quality of a Head Teacher?
Sample Answer: “Resilience combined with empathy. A Head Teacher must be strong enough to make tough decisions while caring deeply for pupils and staff.”
20. How do you prioritise tasks when everything feels urgent?
Sample Answer: “I use strategic planning, delegate effectively, and focus on high-impact areas. Time management and clarity of vision are key to prioritisation.”
Ending and Reflective Questions
21. What do you hope to achieve in your first 100 days?
Sample Answer: “I would listen first, conducting a thorough school review, meeting stakeholders, and setting quick wins to build trust.”
22. How do you look after your own wellbeing?
Sample Answer: “I believe leaders must model balance. I stay active, set boundaries, and seek peer support to maintain resilience.”
23. If we asked your colleagues to describe you in three words, what would they say?
Sample Answer: “They would likely say I am supportive, strategic, and inspirational.”
24. Do you have any questions for us?
Always ask something thoughtful.
Sample Answer: “What qualities are you most hoping to see in your next Head Teacher?”
25. Why should we hire you?
Sample Answer: “Because I bring proven leadership, a track record of raising standards, and a deep commitment to nurturing every child. I am ready to lead with vision, compassion, and resilience.”
Do’s and Don’ts in a Head Teacher Interview
Do prepare examples using the STAR method.
Do research the school thoroughly.
Do speak with passion and positivity.
Don’t criticise your current or past school leaders.
Don’t give vague answers – always provide evidence.
Don’t forget that body language and tone matter as much as your words.
Final Interview Coaching Encouragement
Remember, a Head Teacher interview is as much about demonstrating your leadership style as it is about showcasing your achievements. Schools want a leader who is approachable, visionary, and grounded. Go into the interview with confidence, knowing that you have prepared thoroughly.
If you feel you would benefit from professional support with interview training, I would be delighted to help you prepare in detail. As an experienced interview coach, I offer one-to-one interview coaching tailored to your specific needs. Book your session today via Interview Training UK and take the next step towards your Head Teacher role with confidence.
Are you ready to secure your dream role as a head teacher? With competition high, preparation is key. Our comprehensive Head Teacher Interview Preparation eBook is designed to help you stand out and confidently showcase your leadership skills, vision, and expertise.
This eBook is packed with practical guidance, including an in-depth focus on the highly effective STAR technique—the secret weapon to answering competency-based questions with clarity and impact. STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is your structured approach to impressing interview panels by articulating your experiences with precision, showing exactly how you’ve made a difference in previous roles.
What You’ll Get:
Master the STAR Method: Learn how to structure your answers for maximum effect, ensuring you cover all the key points the panel is looking for.
50 Expert-Curated Interview Questions: Gain access to 50 essential head teacher interview questions, covering leadership, strategic planning, curriculum design, and more.
Detailed Example Answers: See how top candidates approach these questions with confidence and clarity, offering a clear roadmap for your own responses.
Whether you’re tackling leadership, safeguarding, or community engagement questions, this eBook will help you craft answers that demonstrate your skills, achievements, and vision for success. Don’t leave your career to chance—prepare like a pro and take the next step in your leadership journey!
