Becoming a Head Teacher is one of the most rewarding and influential roles in education. A Head Teacher leads the vision, strategy, and daily operations of a school, ensuring students, staff, and the wider community thrive. This role requires exceptional leadership, organisational skills, and a strong understanding of curriculum development. In the UK, Head Teacher salaries typically range from £60,000 to over £100,000, depending on the size and location of the school, reflecting the immense responsibility and impact of the role.
A well-crafted Head Teacher CV is your gateway to securing interviews and demonstrating your unique ability to lead, inspire, and manage a school effectively. With decades of experience in career coaching, I, Jerry Frempong, have seen how a strategic, well-structured CV can transform a candidate’s prospects and put them ahead in a competitive market.
Understanding the Head Teacher Role
Before you begin drafting your CV, it is crucial to understand the job description and the skills employers are looking for:
Strategic leadership and vision-setting for the school.
Staff management, professional development, and recruitment.
Budgeting and resource allocation.
Curriculum development and compliance with national education standards.
Fostering relationships with students, parents, and the local community.
Monitoring and improving school performance metrics.
Your CV should convey that you not only meet these requirements but also have a proven record of achievement in these areas. Use tangible evidence, such as exam results, successful initiatives, and staff retention improvements.
Why a CV Template Can Make a Difference
Many aspiring Head Teachers struggle with how to structure their CV. A CV template can serve as a roadmap, helping you present your skills, achievements, and leadership qualities clearly. Using a professional template ensures your CV is clean, easy to read, and aligns with what hiring committees expect from senior educational professionals.
Key Sections for an Interview-Winning Head Teacher CV
Personal Details and Professional Profile
Your CV should start with your name, contact details, and a compelling professional profile. This is your chance to summarise your leadership style, experience, and vision for education in 3-5 sentences. Highlight achievements, such as improved exam results, successful accreditation, or transformative projects.
Core Competencies and Skills
Include a list of your key skills relevant to Head Teacher responsibilities, such as:
Strategic Leadership
Staff Development
Curriculum Design
Budget Management
Safeguarding and Child Protection
Stakeholder Engagement
Professional Experience
List your work history in reverse chronological order. For each role, include:
Job title and organisation
Dates of employment
Key responsibilities
Quantifiable achievements (percentages, student outcomes, awards)
Using a CV example can guide you on how to highlight your impact without cluttering your CV.
Education and Qualifications
Include your degrees, teaching certifications, and any professional development relevant to educational leadership. For aspiring Head Teachers, leadership training and postgraduate qualifications in education management are particularly important.
Professional Memberships and Awards
Membership of professional associations, teaching awards, or recognition in educational leadership should be included to boost credibility and authority.
References
Include two to three professional references, ideally from senior leadership or governing bodies, who can attest to your leadership and impact.
Tips for Graduates Aspiring to Become Head Teachers
Graduates aiming for senior leadership roles should focus on building a strong foundation in teaching and early management experience:
Gain experience in classroom teaching across multiple age groups.
Seek opportunities for leadership roles, such as department head or project lead.
Highlight transferable skills, such as communication, organisation, and problem-solving.
Consider leadership training or a Masters in Educational Leadership to enhance credibility.
Advice for Middle and Senior Management
For experienced professionals aiming for Head Teacher roles:
Focus on your strategic achievements rather than day-to-day responsibilities.
Showcase results-driven leadership, such as improved student outcomes or staff retention.
Include examples of innovation, such as implementing new programs or improving school performance metrics.
Use your CV to demonstrate your vision for the future of the school.
General CV Structure and Do’s and Don’ts
Do:
Keep your CV clear, concise, and structured.
Use active verbs and quantifiable results.
Tailor your CV to the specific school or job application.
Highlight leadership achievements and educational impact.
Include keywords relevant to Head Teacher roles, which improve Google visibility and ATS compatibility.
Don’t:
Include irrelevant work history or personal details.
Use generic phrases like “hardworking” or “team player” without context.
Overload your CV with excessive text; keep it focused and compelling.
Use fancy fonts or unprofessional formatting.
Neglect updating your LinkedIn profile to reflect your CV achievements.
Optimising Your Head Teacher CV for Google and Recruiters
When creating your CV for online applications, SEO matters even in education recruitment:
Include keywords like “Head Teacher,” “school leadership,” “curriculum management,” and “staff development.”
Use a CV template that highlights these keywords naturally.
Ensure your CV is easy to scan, with bullet points and clear headings.
Final Advice: Boost Your Chances with Professional Support
Creating a compelling Head Teacher CV is about more than listing your experience—it’s about selling your leadership story and showcasing measurable achievements. Whether you are a graduate aspiring to grow into leadership, a middle manager ready to step up, or a senior professional seeking a Head Teacher role, a well-structured CV, supported by professional advice, can make all the difference.
I have spent over 25 years coaching UK professionals in education, helping them secure senior leadership positions. Your CV and LinkedIn profile are your first impression—let’s make it count. Book an appointment today to have your CV and LinkedIn improved and position yourself as the Head Teacher every school wants to hire: Book Your Appointment.
