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- Tasks: Lead a new specialist school for children with SEMH and Autism, shaping their future.
- Company: Join a passionate team at Outcomes First Group, committed to inclusive education.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day working week, competitive salary, and extensive wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by creating a nurturing environment for vulnerable young people.
- Qualifications: Experienced Headteacher or Deputy Head with SEN leadership experience required.
- Other info: Access outstanding career development and a supportive community of leaders.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Headteacher – New Specialist SEMH & Autism School
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Hours: Monday–Friday
Start: January 2026
We are opening a brand-new, specialist school for children and young people with SEMH, Autism and associated needs – and we are looking for an exceptional Headteacher to bring it to life.
- Shape a school from the ground up
- Create a place where pupils who may have struggled elsewhere can belong, thrive and succeed
- Provide strategic leadership and clear vision for a specialist SEMH/Autism school
- Lead operational delivery, safeguarding, quality and compliance from the outset
- Work closely with therapy colleagues to deliver personalised, pupil-centred pathways
- Build strong relationships with parents, carers and local authorities
Requirements:
- Experienced Headteacher or Deputy Head within SEN, SEMH, specialist or alternative provision
- 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
If you want to make a difference where it matters most – and help shape the future of a brand-new school – we would love to hear from you.
In return for your expertise and commitment, we offer outstanding career development and access to a network of exceptional leaders across our organisation. You will be joining passionate, values-driven colleagues who share your belief in excellence – supported by a collaborative community that empowers you to lead with confidence, innovation, and impact.
We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, and you’ll start each day knowing your work is making a significant positive 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 include:
- Life Assurance
- Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
- Your Wellbeing Matters – access to a wide range of mental health support services and physical health checks
- A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance options
- Hundreds of discounts in the UK and abroad
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Electric Car Purchase Scheme
- Critical illness cover
- Family Growth Support – covering enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support
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! 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit.
Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
Head of School - Full-time employer: Outcomes First Group
Contact Detail:
Outcomes First Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of School - Full-time
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved with SEMH and Autism. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in inclusive education and SEMH practices. We want you to shine, so practice answering common questions and think about how your experience aligns with the school's vision.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for building a positive school culture! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've created inclusive environments or improved student outcomes in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of School - Full-time
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for education and making a difference shine through. We want to see how excited you are about shaping a new school and supporting pupils with SEMH and Autism.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in SEN and leadership roles. We’re looking for someone who can bring strategic vision and operational expertise, so connect your past roles to what we need for this new school.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that directly address the job description. This helps us see how you fit into our vision without wading through unnecessary details.
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. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join #teamOFG!
How to prepare for a job interview at Outcomes First Group
✨Know Your Vision
Before the interview, take some time to think about your vision for the new specialist SEMH and Autism school. Be ready to articulate how you plan to create an inclusive environment where every pupil can thrive. This will show your passion and commitment to making a real impact.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Ofsted Frameworks
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the Ofsted frameworks relevant to specialist settings. Being able to discuss how you would ensure compliance and quality in your school will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Build Relationships
Think about how you would approach building strong relationships with parents, carers, and local authorities. Prepare examples from your past experiences that highlight your skills in communication and collaboration, as these are crucial for the success of the school.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership roles, especially in SEN or SEMH settings. Highlight specific achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities of the Headteacher position. This will help the interviewers see your capability to lead effectively from the outset.
