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- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team to deliver high-quality education and support for students with complex needs.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking school that prioritises wellbeing and innovative teaching methods.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 4-day work week, and comprehensive health and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a collaborative and supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must have UK QTS or equivalent and experience with children with autism or challenging behaviours.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a school recognised as a 'Great Place to Work'.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 63000 £ per year.
Position: Deputy Headteacher
Location: Ryecroft School, Walsall, West Midlands, WS2 7BH
Salary: Up to £55,000.00 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)
Hours: 37.5 per week | Monday to Friday | 8.30am – 4.00pm
Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only
Start Date: March 2026
This role does not offer sponsorship.
At Outcomes First Group, we believe life is about more than work. That’s why many of our schools are trialling a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW)—work one day less each week while keeping full pay.
About the Role
The Deputy Headteacher plays a key role in driving high standards across every aspect of school life. Working closely with the Headteacher, senior leaders and wider stakeholders, you will help deliver a high-quality education that meets regulatory requirements, organisational expectations and the individual needs of each learner. This is a strategic yet hands-on leadership role, combining oversight of curriculum and teaching with leadership of behaviour and positive support approaches. You will work collaboratively with education, care and clinical teams, supporting staff, students and families to ensure consistency, positive outcomes and a culture of high expectations throughout the school. Areas of responsibility will be aligned to the successful candidate’s skills and experience. Leadership experience is essential.
Key Responsibilities
- Work collaboratively with the Headteacher and leadership team to secure and sustain high standards throughout the school
- Act as overall curriculum lead, coordinating and managing curriculum delivery across all areas
- Lead on positive behaviour support, including guidance and strategies for behaviour that may challenge
- Participate in the assessment and review of referrals to ensure appropriate provision and planning
- Monitor pupil progress and targets, ensuring individual outcomes are tracked and achieved
- Work closely with the clinical team to oversee Behaviour Support Plans, providing advice, consultation and ensuring plans are reviewed and updated
- Play an active role within the multidisciplinary team, working alongside education, residential and clinical colleagues
- Maintain strong and effective links with external partners, both within the wider organisation and with external agencies
- Build positive, productive relationships with families, carers and other stakeholders involved in students’ education and care
- Ensure consistently high standards across education, care and clinical programmes in line with organisational policies and expectations
This role offers an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader to make a significant impact within a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment, helping to shape a school culture where students are supported to achieve their best outcomes academically, socially and emotionally.
About You
- Qualified: UK QTS or equivalent, with a relevant degree. NPQSL or similar also preferable
- Experienced: Proven experience teaching children and young people with autism and/or behaviours that may present challenges
- Knowledgeable: Familiar with Estyn and/or Ofsted inspection frameworks and processes as well as strong knowledge of effective people management practices
About Ryecroft School
Ryecroft School has capacity for 60 pupils, opened in September 2024 and caters for pupils with Autism and complex needs. The school is located in Walsall. Walsall is a market town in the West Midlands County. It is located 9 miles north-west of Birmingham, 7 miles east of Wolverhampton and 9 miles from Lichfield. For over 19 years Options Autism have provided care and education to pupils and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care.
Why Join Us?
We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
Benefits include:
- Travel Allowance - up to £450.00 depending upon distance travelled
- Life Assurance & Pension scheme
- Mental health support, physical health checks, and wellbeing services
- Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista) to choose perks that suit you
- Cycle to Work & Electric Car Purchase Schemes
- Birthday Chocolates & Gift Voucher at Christmas
- Family Growth Support, including enhanced parental leave and fertility treatment support
- 4-Day Working Week: Work 80% of your hours, get 100% pay* (*Subject to successful probation. Not a contractual benefit.)
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Deputy Headteacher in Walsall employer: Acorn Care and Education
Contact Detail:
Acorn Care and Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Headteacher in Walsall
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, take a stroll around Ryecroft School or chat with the Headteacher. This shows you’re genuinely interested and helps you tailor your answers to what they value.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your leadership skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven high standards in previous roles. We want to hear about your successes and how you’ve positively impacted students and staff.
✨Tip Number 3
Connect with the team! Highlight your collaborative spirit during the interview. Talk about how you’ve worked with multidisciplinary teams before and how you can bring that experience to Ryecroft School.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school’s culture, the 4-Day Working Week, or their approach to behaviour support. It shows you’re engaged and serious about making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Headteacher in Walsall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Deputy Headteacher. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role is all about leadership, don’t hold back on sharing examples of your past experiences. Talk about how you've driven high standards and supported teams in previous roles—this will really resonate with us!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon and make sure your passion for education shines through!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people quickly. Plus, it shows you're keen to join #teamOFG!
How to prepare for a job interview at Acorn Care and Education
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of the Deputy Headteacher role. Familiarise yourself with the school’s ethos, curriculum delivery, and behaviour support strategies. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Deputy Headteacher, leadership is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully led teams or initiatives. Think about how you’ve driven high standards and collaborated with others to achieve positive outcomes. Be ready to discuss these in detail during the interview.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don’t just wait for questions; engage with the interviewers. Ask insightful questions about the school’s approach to education and behaviour support. This shows that you’re proactive and genuinely interested in contributing to their team. Plus, it gives you a chance to assess if the school is the right fit for you.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Regulations
Make sure you’re up to speed with Estyn and Ofsted frameworks, as well as effective people management practices. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the role. It’s a great way to show that you understand the regulatory landscape and can navigate it effectively.
