The second annual "headship index" from the National College for School Leadership shows a 10% year-on-year rise in those considering leadership.
It suggests more than 151,000 teachers now aspire to headship, compared with just over 138,000 last year.
Retiring "baby boomer" heads means a shortage is looming, but now teachers feel there is more support available.
College chief executive Steve Munby said: "The challenge we face is huge, but these figures show that we are moving in the right direction with leadership ambition increasing across the teaching profession."
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