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- Tasks: Lead and inspire the PE and Outdoor Education curriculum for all key stages.
- Company: Join a supportive team at The Greater Horseshoe School, focused on student wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day work week with full pay, plus health and wellbeing perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young people's lives while enjoying a balanced work schedule.
- Qualifications: Must have UK QTS and a relevant honours degree, with experience in special educational needs.
- Other info: Work in a peaceful woodland environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
Location: The Greater Horseshoe School, Heathfield, TQ12 6RH
Salary: From £44,000 per annum (dependent on experience, not pro rata)
Hours: 40.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday
Rota: Monday–Friday 8:30am–4:40pm | Tuesday 8:30am–5:00pm (training)
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: March 2026
UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.
About the Role
The Head of Faculty (PE and Outdoor Education) is a key leadership role responsible for shaping, developing, and delivering an inspiring PE and Outdoor Education curriculum across all key stages. You will work closely with the Senior Leadership Team, SENDCo, and clinical team to ensure every student has access to high-quality physical education, outdoor learning experiences, and extra-curricular opportunities that support their academic, social, and personal development. This role combines strategic leadership, curriculum oversight, and team management to ensure the department delivers excellence and promotes a culture of high expectations across the school.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop an engaging PE and Outdoor Education curriculum across all key stages and sites
- Ensure high standards of pupil attainment, progress, and outcomes within the faculty
- Inspire, motivate, and manage the PE and ODE team, providing supervision, performance management, and career development support
- Design and implement differentiated schemes of work that enable all students to make progress and achieve their potential
- Undertake regular audits, quality assurance checks, and self-evaluation to maintain and improve standards across the department
- Ensure all Health and Safety requirements are met in lessons, outdoor activities, and preparation areas
This role is ideal for an ambitious, creative, and dynamic leader with a passion for PE, outdoor education, and student wellbeing, who can inspire a team and make a lasting impact on young people’s learning and personal development.
About You
- Qualified: UK QTS and a relevant honours degree
- Experienced: Strong understanding of SEMH needs, with experience supporting pupils who may also present with ASC, learning difficulties, and complex needs
- Compassionate & Resilient: Able to build trusting relationships with pupils who may have faced significant challenges
- Knowledgeable: Comfortable teaching all three areas of PE and ODE
- Creative & Flexible: You’ll need to adapt and innovate to meet individual needs
About Us
The Greater Horseshoe School is an independent special school near Newton Abbot in Devon, providing education for young people with complex needs. Set in a peaceful woodland environment and supported by a nearby care farm, we combine academic and vocational programmes with outdoor learning and therapeutic approaches tailored to each pupil’s individual strengths and needs. Our experienced staff work closely with every young person to remove barriers to learning, foster personal and social development, and create a caring, inclusive environment that enables pupils to achieve positive outcomes and build the skills, confidence, and resilience needed for their future.
Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people’s lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence-based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact.
We are really proud to say that in 2025, Outcomes First Group were officially 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.
Benefits include:
- 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
- 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 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 reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
4DWW will be rolled out within our school, when we have a full complement of staff – so there’s never been a more exciting time to join us #teamOFG!
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. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.
Head of Faculty – Physical Education and Outdoor Education employer: Outcomes First Group
Contact Detail:
Outcomes First Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Faculty – Physical Education and Outdoor Education
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, attend local events, and join online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its values. Understand their approach to PE and Outdoor Education, and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! During interviews, share stories that highlight your commitment to student wellbeing and innovative teaching methods. Let them see your enthusiasm for making a difference in young people's lives.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to 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 being part of the exciting changes happening in education.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Faculty – Physical Education and Outdoor Education
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Head of Faculty. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for PE and Outdoor Education shine through! Share specific examples of how you've inspired students or developed engaging curricula in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key achievements stand out.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Outcomes First Group
✨Know Your Curriculum
Make sure you’re well-versed in the PE and Outdoor Education curriculum. Familiarise yourself with current trends, best practices, and how to adapt lessons for diverse needs. This will show your passion and readiness to lead.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how you inspire and manage teams. Think of specific examples where you've motivated staff or improved student outcomes. This role is all about shaping a culture of high expectations!
✨Connect with Wellbeing Initiatives
Since wellbeing is a priority, be ready to talk about how you would integrate mental health support into your teaching and leadership. Share any past experiences that highlight your commitment to student wellbeing.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the school’s vision, the 4-Day Working Week, and how they support staff development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
