headmistress

Headmistress is a title for the female head of a school, equivalent in status to a headmaster or principal. The term originates from British English, combining head (leader) with mistress (a female teacher or supervisor). Historically, it was common in girls’ schools and in some coeducational institutions to designate the female principal as headmistress; today the term is less common in some regions, where gender-neutral forms are preferred.

Duties of a headmistress typically include setting educational objectives, overseeing curriculum and assessment, managing school staff and budgets, ensuring safeguarding and welfare of students, maintaining discipline, and representing the school to parents, authorities, and the wider community. The role also involves policy development and ensuring compliance with national or regional education standards.

Regional usage varies. In the United Kingdom, headteacher or principal is common, with headmistress used in some independent or traditional schools. In the United States, the term headmistress is rare and principal is standard; in other Commonwealth countries usage is mixed, with some schools retaining headmistress, others adopting gender-neutral titles.

Modern considerations often favor gender-neutral titles such as head of school or principal, particularly in coeducational or inclusive settings. The term headmistress may be retained in longer-standing or traditional institutions, but it can be perceived as outdated in some contexts.