SOC 2020 code 2321 · Professional occupations
Whether this occupation can be sponsored for a Skilled Worker visa, its going rate, the job titles filed under the code, and the licensed sponsors advertising these jobs.
Eligible
Head teachers and principals (SOC 2321) is an eligible occupation in Appendix Skilled Occupations, so jobs in it can be sponsored for a new Skilled Worker visa.
Annual salaries for a 37.5-hour week, from Appendix Skilled Occupations (updated 3 Aug 2026).
For this occupation the minimum salary is set by the national pay scale, such as NHS Agenda for Change bands or teachers’ pay scales, not by a going rate.
Sources: Appendix Skilled Occupations, Skilled Worker salary rules, when you can be paid less.
The ONS coding index files 42 job titles under this code. A note in brackets is the setting the title applies to: the same title can sit under another code elsewhere. The code on a certificate of sponsorship follows the job’s duties, so check them with CASCOT or the employer.
Since October 2025 we read 5 adverts that we placed in this code from the job title, 4 of them still open, from 3 employers on the register of licensed sponsors.
Open adverts checked against the employer, occupation and salary rules for a new visa:
North Lanarkshire Council · UK · £70,001 a year · Meets the rules
North Lanarkshire Council · Motherwell, North Lanarkshire · £70,001 a year · Meets the rules
Aldridge Education · Darwen · Meets the rules
North Lanarkshire Council · UK · £70,001 a year · Meets the rules
From Appendix Skilled Occupations and the Temporary Shortage List (GOV.UK), the ONS SOC 2020 coding index, and job adverts we read and match to the Home Office register. We place an advert in a code from its title, so some adverts may be in the wrong code. Whether a person can be sponsored also depends on their own circumstances. This page is information, not immigration advice. Profile built 7 Oct 2026.
Head teachers and principals (SOC 2321) is an eligible occupation in Appendix Skilled Occupations, so jobs in it can be sponsored for a new Skilled Worker visa.
For this occupation the minimum salary is set by the national pay scale, such as NHS Agenda for Change bands or teachers’ pay scales, not by a going rate.
The ONS coding index files 42 job titles under 2321, including head, head, head, head, head, head, head, head master. The employer chooses the code on the certificate of sponsorship from the job's duties, not its title.
Since October 2025 we read 5 adverts that we placed in SOC 2321, from 3 employers on the register. The most came from North Lanarkshire Council (3), Aldridge Education (1), Renfrewshire Council (1).