You can become a headteacher after working as a teacher in a school.

You'll also need several years' experience as a senior manager or deputy head. You can take professional development training to help with this. For example, by completing the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership and the National Professional Qualification for Headship.

You'll need:

• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• knowledge of English language
• leadership skills
• business management skills
• the ability to work well with others
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• customer service skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

As a headteacher, you will:

• set the school’s values, strategic direction and vision
• work closely with students, staff, parents, governors and the community
• create a healthy and safe space for learning
• develop and monitor the quality of teaching
• use data to track performance and produce reports
• inspire and motivate staff and students
• control school finances and attend meetings, sometimes outside of usual working hours

You could work at a school.