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- Tasks: Lead a new specialist SEN school, creating a nurturing and trauma-informed environment.
- Company: Outcomes First Group, a leading provider of specialist education.
- Benefits: Up to £95,000 salary, flexible benefits, and a 4-day working week.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on pupils' lives and lead a talented team.
- Qualifications: Experienced in SEN leadership with a deep understanding of trauma-informed practice.
- Other info: Join a certified 'Great Place to Work' and enjoy excellent career growth.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 95000 £ per year.
We 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 role offers the chance to create a school with a strong therapeutic ethos, where wellbeing, safety and progress are central to everything we do. Our aim is to establish the vision and culture of a new specialist school, embed therapeutic, trauma-informed practice from day one, lead and inspire a talented multidisciplinary team, and create an environment where pupils can feel safe, supported and able to succeed.
Location & Salary
- Location: South East England – easily commutable within the Thames Valley
- Salary: Up to £95,000 per annum (dependent on experience; not pro rata)
- Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
- Hours: Monday–Friday
- Start: March 2026
- UK Applicants Only – this role does not offer sponsorship
Key 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
Qualifications and Experience
- 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
Why Join Outcomes First Group?
Outcomes First Group is a leading provider of specialist education, helping every child flourish. We combine academic ambition with personalised support and strong pastoral care, tailoring teaching to each pupil's strengths and needs. Our approach fosters confidence, resilience and Work Smarter. Live Better. Join the 4-Day Working Week! We are proud to have been certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.
Benefits
- Life Assurance
- Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
- “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health 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.
Compliance & Safeguarding
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. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.
Apply now to lead a new specialist school and make a lasting difference in pupils' lives.
Headteacher in Chatham employer: Outcomes First Group
Contact Detail:
Outcomes First Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Headteacher in Chatham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved in SEN. They might know about opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in trauma-informed practice and how it applies to leadership in SEN settings. We want you to shine when discussing your vision for the new school!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for inclusive education during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles. This will help us see your commitment to creating a nurturing environment.
✨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 joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher in Chatham
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 how much you care about creating a nurturing environment where every pupil can thrive.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in SEN and trauma-informed practices. We’re looking for someone who understands the unique challenges of this role, so connect your past roles to what we’re aiming to achieve at our new school.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and vision for the school. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to lead our new specialist school.
How to prepare for a job interview at Outcomes First Group
✨Know Your Vision
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your vision for a specialist SEN school. Think about how you would create a nurturing and trauma-informed environment. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've implemented similar practices in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Headteacher, your leadership style is crucial. Prepare to discuss how you inspire and develop a multidisciplinary team. Bring examples of how you've successfully led teams in previous roles, especially in SEN or alternative provisions.
✨Understand the Ofsted Framework
Familiarise yourself with the Ofsted frameworks relevant to specialist settings. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure compliance and quality in your school. This shows that you’re not only passionate but also knowledgeable about the standards expected.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would build strong relationships with parents, carers, and local authorities. Prepare to share strategies you've used in the past to engage stakeholders effectively, as this will be key to your success in the role.
