At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a new specialist SEN school, creating a nurturing and ambitious environment for pupils.
- Company: Outcomes First Group, the UK's leading provider of specialist education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, life assurance, pension scheme, and flexible benefits platform.
- Why this job: Shape a new school from the ground up and make a real difference in students' lives.
- Qualifications: Experienced Headteacher or Deputy Head with a strong background in SEN and trauma-informed practice.
- Other info: Enjoy a 4-day working week and excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 95000 £ per year.
Are opening a brand-new specialist SEN school for children and young people with complex needs and are seeking an exceptional Headteacher to lead its development. This is an opportunity to create a school with a strong therapeutic ethos, where wellbeing, safety and progress are central to everything we do.
Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership and clear vision for a specialist SEMH/Autism school
- Develop a nurturing, ambitious and trauma‑informed environment
- Lead operational delivery, safeguarding, quality and compliance
- Recruit, inspire and develop a highly skilled staff team
- Work closely with therapy colleagues to deliver personalised, pupil‑centred pathways
- Build strong relationships with parents, carers and local authorities
About You
- Experienced Headteacher or Deputy Head within SEN, SEMH, specialist or alternative provision
- Deep understanding of trauma‑informed practice and behaviour as communication
- Clear knowledge of Ofsted frameworks for specialist settings
- Skilled in budget, resource and change management
- Committed to inclusive education and aspirational outcomes for every pupil
- Qualified teacher (QTS/QTLS) with significant SEN leadership experience
- Full UK Driving Licence
Benefits
- Life Assurance
- Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
- Well‑Being support and physical health checks
- Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including 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 – not a contractual benefit)
Why Join Outcomes First Group?
Outcomes First Group is the UK’s leading provider of specialist education, supporting children and young people with complex needs. Our schools, including Options Autism and Acorn Education, provide nurturing, inclusive environments where every pupil can thrive. We combine personalised learning, therapeutic support, and small class sizes to empower pupils academically, socially, and emotionally. Joining a new school means helping shape provision from the ground up, creating a culture where staff and pupils flourish together.
Additional Information
- Salary: Up to £95,000 per annum (dependent on experience; not pro rata)
- Contract: Permanent
- Term Time Only
- Hours: Monday – Friday, 4‑Day Working Week (80% of contractual hours for 100% of pay)
- Location: South East England, commutable within the Thames Valley
- Applicants: UK only; no sponsorship offered
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS. 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. Apply now to lead a new specialist school and make a lasting difference in pupils’ lives.
Headteacher (South East England) in Belmont employer: Outcomes First Group
Contact Detail:
Outcomes First Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Headteacher (South East England) in Belmont
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those involved with SEN. They might know about opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your online presence sorted! Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and showcases your experience in SEN leadership. We want to see your passion for creating inclusive environments shine through.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in trauma-informed practice and SEMH education. We need to see that you’re not just experienced but also forward-thinking and ready to lead a new school.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher (South East England) in Belmont
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for education and supporting children with complex needs shine through. We want to see your commitment to creating a nurturing environment that prioritises wellbeing and progress.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in SEN and SEMH settings. We’re looking for someone who understands trauma-informed practice, so share specific examples of how you've implemented this in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your vision for the school and how you plan to lead a highly skilled staff team. We appreciate clarity and directness!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to shape a new specialist school.
How to prepare for a job interview at Outcomes First Group
✨Know Your SEN Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of special educational needs (SEN), particularly SEMH and autism. Brush up on trauma-informed practices and how they can be applied in a school setting. This knowledge will not only help you answer questions confidently but also demonstrate your commitment to creating a nurturing environment.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about specific examples where you've inspired staff or improved outcomes for pupils. This is your chance to show how you can build a strong, skilled team that aligns with the school's vision.
✨Engage with the Community
Be ready to talk about how you would build relationships with parents, carers, and local authorities. Share any previous experiences where you've successfully engaged with the community to enhance educational provision. This shows that you understand the importance of collaboration in a specialist setting.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Have a list of thoughtful questions prepared for the interviewers. Ask about their vision for the new school, the support available for staff, and how they measure success. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the school aligns with your values and goals.