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- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team while shaping the future of students.
- Company: Outcomes First Group is dedicated to creating impactful educational experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, term-time only hours, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a dynamic school culture.
- Qualifications: Must have prior experience as a Headteacher and relevant educational qualifications.
- Other info: Position starts in January 2026; UK applicants only.
The predicted salary is between 64000 - 96000 £ per year.
Work Smarter. Live Better. Join the 4-Day Working Week!
Headteacher – New Specialist SEN School
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
Lead a school that transforms lives.
At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance — and we’re putting wellbeing first. That’s why we’re proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, giving you 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay*.
Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW, and others will soon join in. Within this school, 4DWW will be rolled out once we have a full complement of staff — so there’s never been a more exciting time to join us #teamOFG!
So, whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG!
The Opportunity
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 is an opportunity to create a school with a strong therapeutic ethos, where wellbeing, safety and progress are central to everything we do.
You will have the chance 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
- Create an environment where pupils can feel safe, supported and able to succeed
If you are driven by impact and motivated by the opportunity to create something truly meaningful, this role offers the chance to leave a lasting legacy.
What You’ll Do
- 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
We’re looking for a leader who brings heart as much as expertise:
- 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
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.
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.
If you’re passionate about specialist education, this is your chance to make a real difference every day.
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.
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.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
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 the 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.
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.
Apply now to lead a new specialist school and make a lasting difference in pupils’ lives.
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Headteacher employer: Outcomes First Group
Contact Detail:
Outcomes First Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Headteacher
✨Tip Number 1
Network with other educational professionals in your area. Attend local education conferences or workshops to meet potential colleagues and learn more about the specific needs of schools like The Holden School.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest educational policies and practices relevant to special education. This knowledge will not only enhance your application but also prepare you for insightful discussions during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Research The Holden School's ethos and values thoroughly. Understanding their mission will help you align your vision as a Headteacher with theirs, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how it has positively impacted previous schools. Be ready with specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire both staff and students.
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and expectations of a Headteacher at Outcomes First Group. This will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experience and skills.
Craft a Tailored CV: Ensure your CV reflects your leadership experience, educational qualifications, and any specific achievements in previous roles. Use clear headings and bullet points for easy readability.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for education and leadership. Mention why you are interested in The Holden School and how your vision aligns with their goals. Be sure to include specific examples from your career.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at Outcomes First Group
✨Research the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to understand the core values and mission of The Holden School. This will help you align your answers with what they prioritise in their educational approach.
✨Prepare for Leadership Scenarios
As a Headteacher, you'll be expected to handle various leadership challenges. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you've successfully led a team or implemented change in a school setting.
✨Showcase Your Vision for Education
Articulate your vision for the future of education and how you plan to implement it at The Holden School. This demonstrates your forward-thinking approach and commitment to improving student outcomes.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's culture, challenges, and goals. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.
