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- Tasks: Lead a creative learning environment, ensuring high-quality education and pupil achievement.
- Company: Join Abbey Gardens School, part of Acorn Education, a leader in specialist education.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day work week, life assurance, pension options, and extensive wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while enjoying a supportive and innovative work culture.
- Qualifications: Must have UK QTS and at least three years of senior leadership experience in a specialist school.
- Other info: Be part of a new school opening in 2026, with a focus on inclusivity and personal growth.
How would you like to get paid for five days, but only work four?
Scroll down for a complete overview of what this job will require Are you the right candidate for this opportunity
At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance â and weâre putting wellbeing first.
Thatâs why weâre proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, where you can work one day less each week (or equivalent hours), while still receiving your full-time pay.
Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW â and others are preparing to roll it out as soon as they reach full staffing. So whether itâs already in place or just around the corner, nowâs the perfect time to join #teamOFG.
Job Title: Headteacher
Location: Abbey Gardens School, Bury St Edmunds IP32 6SA
Salary: Up to ÂŁ80,000.00 per annum
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only
As part of our continued growth, we now have a fantastic opportunity for a Headteacher to join our close-knit team at Abbey Gardens School, part of Acorn Education.
As a Headteacher you will promote a relentless focus on high quality, creative learning, delivering our pupils educational needs, maximising pupil achievement, and their ability to develop.
As Headteacher you will have an infrastructure of support from central services for Finance, Resourcing, HR and IT including a network of supportive Headteachers from other schools alongside central school improvement support.
Key objectives expected to achieve:
Outstanding outcomes for students that are a reflection of their needs, abilities and aptitudes.
A safe environment that protects the welfare of pupils and staff in the school.
Meeting all statutory requirements as defined by the DfE, Ofsted and other external bodies and achieving the highest inspection ratings possible.
A motivated staff group that is fully engaged in the goal of achieving excellence in all areas of school life and who are committed to continuing personal and professional development.
The commercial success of the school as defined by 100% occupancy, the rigorous management of costs and the development and implementation of growth plans as appropriate.
Effective strategic and operational planning, that includes self-evaluation, school improvement and delivery.
A shared vision, that fits within the overall Acorn Group strategy, which inspires and motivates students, staff and all other members of the school community.
Essential:
At least three yearsâ experience as a senior leader in a specialist school for pupils with complex communication needs
Qualified Teacher Status or Equivalent
Willingness to extend personal and professional development
Ability to lead and provide a clear vision
Appreciation and understanding that leadership and management of school encompasses processes contributing to pupil outcomes, staff motivation, keeping pupils safe, filling the school with pupils, managing costs, meeting regulatory requirements and applying growth plans as appropriate
Desirable:
Completion of NPQH
Experience of conducting performance management
Experience of appointing, managing and inducting staff
Experience of planning the curriculum across a range of ages and abilities
Requirement: UK QTS or equivalent
For a full list of Duties and Responsibilities, please see the Job Description
About Us
Abbey Gardens is an exciting new addition to the Acorn Education family, set to open its doors in March/April 2026. Designed to support students aged 11 to 18, the school will offer a nurturing and inclusive learning environment tailored to meet the diverse needs of its pupils.
As part of Acorn Education, Abbey Gardens will benefit from a strong foundation of expertise in delivering high-quality education and support, helping pupils thrive both academically and personally.
Acorn Education is the UKâs leading independent provider of specialist education. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care.
We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a âGreat Place to Workâ for the fifth year running.
Why join Acorn Education?
We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so youâll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.
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
Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so youâll get an exceptional reward package including:
Life Assurance
Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
âYour Wellbeing Mattersâ â access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks
And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package thatâs right for you, including:
A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
100âs of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
Cycle to Work Schemes
Electric Car Purchase Scheme
Critical illness cover
Family Growth Support – inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
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.
*Youâll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit
#1
Headteacher employer: Outcomes First Group
Contact Detail:
Outcomes First Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land Headteacher
â¨Tip Number 1
Network with current and former headteachers in specialist schools. They can provide insights into the role and share their experiences, which can help you understand what the school is looking for in a candidate.
â¨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest educational policies and frameworks related to special education needs. Being well-versed in these areas will demonstrate your commitment and readiness to lead effectively.
â¨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your vision for the school during interviews. Think about how you would implement the 4-Day Working Week while maintaining high educational standards and staff motivation.
â¨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership style by sharing specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams and improved student outcomes in previous roles. This will highlight your capability to inspire and lead at Abbey Gardens School.
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience as a senior leader in a specialist school, particularly focusing on your ability to meet the needs of pupils with complex communication needs. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and achievements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for education and your commitment to pupil welfare. Mention your understanding of the 4-Day Working Week initiative and how it aligns with your vision for work/life balance in education.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications, including your Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent. If you have completed NPQH or other relevant training, make sure to include this information prominently.
Showcase Leadership Vision: Articulate your vision for leading Abbey Gardens School. Discuss how you plan to create a safe and motivating environment for both staff and students, and how you will achieve outstanding outcomes for pupils.
How to prepare for a job interview at Outcomes First Group
â¨Show Your Vision for the School
As a Headteacher, it's crucial to articulate your vision for the school clearly. Prepare to discuss how you plan to create a nurturing and inclusive environment that meets the diverse needs of pupils. Highlight your strategies for achieving outstanding outcomes and fostering a motivated staff group.
â¨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Be ready to share specific examples from your past leadership roles, especially in specialist schools. Discuss your experience with performance management, staff induction, and curriculum planning across various ages and abilities. This will showcase your capability to lead effectively.
â¨Emphasise Commitment to Wellbeing
Given the focus on wellbeing at Outcomes First Group, express your commitment to promoting a healthy work/life balance for both staff and students. Share any initiatives you've implemented in previous roles that prioritised mental health and wellbeing.
â¨Prepare for Questions on Compliance and Safeguarding
Understand the statutory requirements set by the DfE and Ofsted, as well as safeguarding protocols. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure compliance and maintain a safe environment for pupils and staff, which is a key objective for the role.
