At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high standards in education and behaviour support while collaborating with a dynamic team.
- Company: Join Outcomes First Group, a caring organisation focused on making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-Day Working Week, travel allowance, and mental health support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while prioritising your wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Must have UK QTS or equivalent and experience with autism and challenging behaviours.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive community dedicated to high-quality education.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Deputy Headteacher to lead high standards throughout the school. The role will be aligned to the candidate's skills and experience. Leadership experience is essential. Candidates are warmly encouraged to visit the school or speak with the Headteacher to discuss the role in more detail. Start date: March 2026. UK applicants only. 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) – working one day less each week while keeping full pay. Now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG and put your wellbeing first.
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, supporting staff, students and families to ensure consistency, positive outcomes and a high standard of care.
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 multidisciplinary approach. 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.
About YouWe’re looking for someone who is:
- 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.
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, a market town in the West Midlands County, 9 miles north‑west of Birmingham, 7 miles east of Wolverhampton and 9 miles from Lichfield. For over 19 years, Options Autism (part of Outcomes First Group) has provided care and education to pupils and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties.
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.
Benefits- Travel Allowance – up to £450.00 depending on 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.
Deputy Headteacher in Walsall employer: FirstGroup plc
Contact Detail:
FirstGroup plc 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! We recommend visiting Ryecroft School or having a chat with the Headteacher. This will not only give you insights into the school's culture but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current staff or alumni on LinkedIn. They can provide valuable insider info and might even put in a good word for you, which could make all the difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your leadership experience and strategies for behaviour support. We want to see how you can drive high standards and work collaboratively with the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining #teamOFG and making a positive impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Headteacher in Walsall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Leadership Skills: Make sure to highlight your leadership experience in your application. We want to see how you've led teams and driven high standards in previous roles, especially in education settings.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter! Tailor your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their background with what we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining #teamOFG!
How to prepare for a job interview at FirstGroup plc
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of a Deputy Headteacher. Brush up on curriculum management, behaviour support strategies, and how to monitor pupil progress. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re ready to take on the role.
✨Visit the School
If possible, take the time to visit the school before your interview. This will give you a feel for the environment and allow you to ask specific questions about the school's culture and values. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the position!
✨Prepare for Behaviour Scenarios
Since the role involves leading on positive behaviour support, think about past experiences where you've successfully managed challenging behaviours. Be ready to share specific examples and the strategies you used, as this will demonstrate your hands-on leadership skills.
✨Engage with the Leadership Team
During the interview, engage actively with the panel. Ask insightful questions about their vision for the school and how they see the Deputy Headteacher contributing to that. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the school aligns with your own values.