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- Tasks: Lead and manage behaviour and attitudes within the school environment.
- Company: OFG is dedicated to improving work/life balance for its employees.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-Day Working Week and prioritised wellbeing initiatives.
- Why this job: Join a supportive culture focused on employee wellbeing and innovative work practices.
- Qualifications: Experience in educational leadership and a passion for student development required.
- Other info: Participate in a pioneering trial for a better work-life balance.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
How would you like to be paid for five days but only work four ?
Our colleagues\’ wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do at OFG, so we\’re always looking for new ways to improve everyone\’s work/life balance. We\’re taking part in a trial of the 4-Day Working Week, meaning that you could be working one day less a week (or equivalent).
If the trial is a success, we\’ll be rolling the 4DWW out across the Group – so there\’s never been a more exciting time to join !
Job Title: Deputy Headteacher
Location: The Holden School, Leigh WN7 4SB
Salary: Up to £55,000.00 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only
Start: January 2026
UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.
As part of our continued growth, we now have a fantastic opportunity for a Deputy Headteacher with ASC and SEMHexperience to join our close-knit team at The Holden School, part of Acorn Education.
About the Role
The Deputy Head Teacher (Behaviour and Attitudes) at The Holden School plays a pivotal leadership role within this Special School setting, which caters to pupils with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) difficulties. This role is critical in shaping and sustaining a positive, safe, and predictable environment that supports pupils\’ social, emotional, and academic development. The Deputy Head Teacher will lead strategically on behaviour and attitudes, ensuring these align with the school\’s vision of enabling pupils who have previously struggled to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.
Working closely with the Head Teacher, Senior Leadership Team (SLT), clinical staff, and wider school community, the Deputy Head will promote high expectations, implement innovative behaviour support strategies, and maintain strong safeguarding practises. The role demands a commitment to collaboration, inclusivity, and continuous improvement, consistent with The Holden School\’s values of holistic pupil development, therapeutic integration, and family engagement.
Key Responsibilities and Duties
Leadership and Strategic Development
- Lead strategically on behaviour and attitudes under the direction of the Head Teacher, ensuring alignment with the school\’s vision and ethos.
- Contribute actively to SLT discussions, including broader educational developments beyond immediate school concerns.
- Set and uphold high expectations for pupils, staff, and parents, challenging any low expectations and promoting a culture of excellence.
- Develop and embed a school ethos that fosters collaboration, knowledge-sharing, accountability, and celebration of success.
Skills and Competencies
Qualifications and Experience
- Qualified Teacher Status and Degree.
- Experience in working pupils with SEMH and ASC
- Professional development in preparation for a senior leadership role.
- Proven leadership and management experience within a school, preferably with experience in Special Schools or SEMH settings.
- Experience in school self-evaluation, development planning, and line management.
- Strong understanding of behaviour management, safeguarding, attendance, and pastoral care best practises.
About Us
The Holden School is an independent specialist day school for boys and girls aged from 5 to 16, catering for pupils with a wide range of needs in Lancashire, Manchester and surrounding areas. Our dedicated team work together to ensure successful outcomes for pupils who often arrive at the school with a troubled view of education and life. We are a Therapeutic Led, Trauma Informed School providing individualised curriculums for our students supported by our Class Teams, our Pastoral Team and our own Therapists.
We pride ourselves in steering pupils in the right direction, nurturing aspiration to progress them academically and socially, to encourage them to take pride in their achievements. Socially, we build confidence in our students, so they are able to have a greater understanding of the wider community in which they live.
We are part of Acorn Education and can offer plenty of challenges along with a wide range of opportunities to develop your career. Acorn Education is the UK\’s leading provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in creating and delivering innovative approaches that achieve measurable outcomes for those in our care.
We are really proud to say that in 2025, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a \’Great Place to Work\’ for the sixth year running.
Why join Acorn Education?
We place the outcomes of the pupils in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you\’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
Benefits
Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you\’ll get an exceptional reward package including:
- Life Assurance
- Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
- \”Your Wellbeing Matters\” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks
And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that\’s right for you, including:
- A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
- 100\’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
- Cycle to Work Schemes
- Electric Car Purchase Scheme
- Critical illness cover
- Family Growth Support – inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.
And that\’s not all, we place the outcomes of the pupils in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you\’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
You\’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit
Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.
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Deputy Headteacher (Behaviour and Attitudes) employer: Outcomes First Group
Contact Detail:
Outcomes First Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Headteacher (Behaviour and Attitudes)
✨Tip Number 1
Research the 4-Day Working Week initiative and be prepared to discuss how it can positively impact staff wellbeing and student outcomes. Showing your understanding of this innovative approach will set you apart.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of OFG to gain insights into the school culture and values. This information can help you tailor your conversations during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully managed behaviour and attitudes in previous roles. Highlighting your practical experience will show that you're not just theoretical but can implement effective strategies.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in educational behaviour management. Being able to discuss contemporary practices and how they can be applied at OFG will demonstrate your commitment to professional development.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Headteacher (Behaviour and Attitudes)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Deputy Headteacher (Behaviour and Attitudes) position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience and skills.
Highlight Wellbeing Initiatives: Since the company values wellbeing, mention any previous experience or initiatives you've led that promote a positive work/life balance. This will show that you align with their ethos.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your passion for improving behaviour and attitudes in an educational setting. Make it personal and engaging.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Outcomes First Group
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the responsibilities of a Deputy Headteacher, particularly in relation to behaviour and attitudes. Familiarise yourself with the school's ethos and how they approach student wellbeing.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in managing behaviour and promoting positive attitudes among students. Use specific examples that highlight your skills and successes in these areas.
✨Emphasise Wellbeing Initiatives
Since the role focuses on wellbeing, be ready to talk about any initiatives you've implemented or participated in that support staff and student wellbeing. This aligns with the company's commitment to work/life balance.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's approach to the 4-Day Working Week trial. This shows your interest in their innovative practices and helps you gauge if their values align with yours.
