Headmaster

"Every headmaster and headmistress of Hogwarts has brought something new to the weighty task of governing this historic school, and that is as it should be, for without progress there will be stagnation and decay."

- Dolores Umbridge

A Headmaster or Headmistress is the chief administrator of a School of Magic. They make all major decisions regarding the safety and the day-to-day functioning of the school, and have the power to override any decision made by any other authoritative facilitator at the school, with the possible exception of the Board of Governors (and during a brief period in 1996, the "High Inquisitor"), in Hogwarts. A Headmaster also controls the protective spells surrounding the school and the ability for certain individuals to enter or exit the grounds at will. The four founders of Hogwarts (Helga Hufflepuff, Godric Gryffindor, Salazar Slytherin, and Rowena Ravenclaw ) are not considered heads, despite leading the school during their time.

Hogwarts also has a Deputy Headmaster or Deputy Headmistress (depending on gender) that assists the headmaster in his duties. In the event of a headmaster's incapacitation, the deputy headmaster serves as temporary headmaster until the Board of Governors can elect a new, permanent one. There can also be more than one deputy headmaster, as the Carrow siblings served under Severus Snape when Voldemort took over Hogwarts.

Headmasters
Identified Headmasters of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry:

Unidentified Headmasters
Unknown name and portrait:
 * Gimlet-eyed Hogwarts Headmistress
 * Headteacher of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry during 1792

Deputy Headmasters
Known Deputy Headmasters of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry:

Durmstrang Institute
Known Headmasters of Durmstrang Institute:

Beauxbatons Academy of Magic
Known Headmasters of Beauxbatons Academy of Magic:

Castelobruxo
Known Headmasters of Castelobruxo:

Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Known Headmasters of Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry:

Behind the scenes

 * In, Dumbledore refers to Karkaroff's title as "Highmaster." , however, confirms that the title of Headmaster is used at Durmstrang as well.
 * Hogwarts is the only school confirmed to have Deputy headmasters and headmistresses. It's unknown if this position exists in other wizarding schools.
 * Dolores Umbridge was not considered an official Hogwarts Headmistress by most. The headmaster's office did not open to her. Also, Phineas Nigellus Black told Severus Snape that he was the first Headmaster from Slytherin since himself, although Professor Umbridge was also a Slytherin.
 * It's unknown if there can be more than one headmaster at a time, however, a Portrait seen in the Headmaster's Office depicting a couple wizards playing Wizard's Chess together, suggesting that it may be possible. The Carrow sibblings were also both Deputy Headmaster and Headmistress.
 * It is unclear if Headmasters must die in office to get a portrait on the wall, or if they must simply not abandon (in the sense of betraying, not simply leaving) their position.

Appearances

 * PS undefined
 * PS F
 * PS G

Notes and references
Директор Director Dyrektor Hogwartu Directeur de Poudlard pt-br:Diretor