College heads paid more than the Prime Minister

More than a fifth of college principals took home salaries higher than that of the Prime Minister last year.

Around 6 per cent were paid at least £200,000, according to data published by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA).

The statistics are likely to fuel debates over pay for leaders working in the public sector and come as the pay packages of university vicechancellors are firmly in the spotlight.

The data, based on the financial records of 304 further education and sixth-form colleges, show that 17 college principals earned £200,000 or above. The Prime Minister earns £150,000 a year.