🌍 American vs British · vocabulary

principal vs headteacher

The person in charge of running a school.

American
principal

“The principal called an assembly to discuss the new schedule.”

British
headteacher

“The headteacher called an assembly to discuss the new timetable.”

Good to know

Americans say "principal," while Britons say "headteacher," "head," "headmaster," or "headmistress." In the UK, "principal" is more often used for the head of a college or university.

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