Teachers' leaders have called for openness over pay after it was revealed a primary school head received £276,000 in one year.

Concerns were raised that many headteachers could be earning massive salaries.

Mark Elms, head of Tidemill Primary School in south-east London, was given a remuneration package of £276,523 for 2009/10 including employers' pension, according to an analysis of Lewisham Council's accounts.

Another head, Jacqui Vallin, head of Southfields Community College in south-west London, was handed a £20,594 (11.4 per cent) pay rise to take her salary up to £198,406 in 2009/10, a Wandsworth Council report shows.

It comes just days after it was revealed that Education Secretary Michael Gove is considering proposals to cap headteachers' pay.

Under the plans, no head would be able to earn more than the Prime Minister - who currently receives £142,500 following a pay cut.