Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-performing school and create a nurturing environment for pupils.
- Company: Join Ryecroft School, part of Outcomes First Group, committed to innovative education.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-Day Working Week, competitive salary, and comprehensive wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of autistic pupils with complex needs.
- Qualifications: UK QTS or equivalent, strong SEN knowledge, and leadership experience required.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team in a pioneering educational environment.
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 102000 £ per year.
Join the 4-Day Working Week
Location: Ryecroft School, Walsall, West Midlands, WS2 7BH
Salary: Up to £85,000.00 per annum dependant on experience (not pro rata)
Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only
Start: February 2026
UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.
At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance and wellbeing. That’s why we’re proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, giving you 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay. Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW, and others will soon join in.
Responsibilities
- Lead a high-performing school with a clear vision aligned to the Outcomes First Group strategy
- Drive outstanding academic, social, and personal outcomes tailored to each pupil’s needs
- Oversee a personalised, engaging curriculum with effective assessment and progress tracking
- Ensure high-quality teaching, behaviour strategies, attendance, and therapeutic support
- Create a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment with exemplary safeguarding and wellbeing practices
- Maintain compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, striving for top inspection outcomes
- Build strong partnerships with pupils, families, local authorities, and external professionals
- Recruit, develop, and lead a motivated staff team, promoting professional growth and positive employee relations
- Serve as a role model, providing effective line management, mentoring, and leadership
This role is central to shaping a school culture where pupils feel safe, supported, and empowered, and where staff can thrive.
About You
- Qualified: UK QTS or equivalent, with a relevant degree and NPQH
- Experienced: Strong knowledge of SEN, including ASC, learning difficulties, and complex needs
- Compassionate & Resilient: Able to build trusting relationships with pupils facing significant challenges
- Collaborative: A confident communicator who thrives in a team environment
- Creative & Flexible: Able to adapt, innovate, and meet the individual needs of pupils
About Us
Ryecroft School, opened in September 2024 in Walsall, provides specialist education for autistic pupils with complex needs. We offer a nurturing, safe, and structured environment where every child is supported to thrive. Our personalised curriculum and small classes develop independence, life skills, and academic progress. Built on strong relationships with families and professionals, we empower young people to reach their full potential. For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care. We are proud that in 2025 Outcomes First Group was certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.
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 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.
We offer life assurance, a pension scheme with options to increase contributions, and a comprehensive wellbeing programme including:
- Mental health support and physical health checks
- Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista): health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
- Hundreds of UK and international discounts
- Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
- Critical illness cover
- Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support
Subject to successful probation.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Headteacher in Walsall employer: Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
Contact Detail:
Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Headteacher in Walsall
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in education, attend local events, and join online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its values. Understand their approach to education, especially regarding SEN and inclusion. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference at Ryecroft School.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable discussing your leadership style and how you would foster a nurturing environment for both pupils and staff. Confidence is key, so the more you practice, the better you'll perform!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and contributing to the fantastic work we do at Outcomes First Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher in Walsall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Headteacher role. Highlight your experience with SEN and how it aligns with our vision at Ryecroft School.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see how you’ve led teams in the past! Share examples of how you've motivated staff and created a positive school culture, as this is key for us at Outcomes First Group.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through! We value compassion and resilience, so don’t hesitate to share your journey and what drives you to make a difference in education.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to review your application and get you on board with our amazing team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
✨Know Your Vision
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your vision for the school. Think about how it aligns with the Outcomes First Group strategy and be ready to articulate this clearly. This will show that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also passionate about the school's mission.
✨Showcase Your Experience with SEN
Given the focus on special educational needs, prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully supported pupils with complex needs. Highlight your understanding of ASC and learning difficulties, and how you've tailored approaches to meet individual needs.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Headteacher, your leadership style is crucial. Be prepared to discuss how you've built strong teams in the past, mentored staff, and fostered a positive school culture. Use concrete examples to illustrate your ability to inspire and motivate others.
✨Engage with the 4-Day Working Week Concept
Since this role is part of a 4-Day Working Week trial, think about how you can maximise productivity and wellbeing within this framework. Be ready to share ideas on how to maintain high standards while ensuring a healthy work-life balance for both staff and students.
