Definition:

Headmaster or headmistress is a term used to describe the head administrator or principal of a private or independent school. Its usage has its roots in the English public (or private) school traditions where the senior teacher (or master) is often styled a head teacher.

Often abbreviated to simply head, a headmaster in the 21st century has a multi-faceted job with the emphasis on fund raising and administrative duties.

Find more terms in the Private School Glossary.

Also Known As: head

Examples: Dr. Smith served as headmaster of St. Ethelbert's Collegiate Preparatory School from its inception until his death in 1985.