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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic school, inspiring staff and pupils to achieve excellence.
- Company: Outcomes First Group, a leading provider of world-class education.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day work week, competitive salary, and exceptional wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on young lives while enjoying a great work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in education and knowledge of diverse learning needs.
- Other info: Join a certified Great Place to Work with outstanding career opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 95000 £ 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. #1
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 like a pro! Reach out to your connections in education, 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. Tailor your responses to show how your vision aligns with their mission. We want to see that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the culture!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. The more comfortable you are, the better you’ll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for education and leadership shine through. We want to see how you can inspire and empower others, so share your vision and experiences that align with our mission.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Headteacher role. Highlight your relevant experience and how it connects to the values and goals of Outcomes First Group.
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 ideas. Avoid fluff and focus on what makes you the perfect fit for us.
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. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Outcomes First Group
✨Know Your Vision
As a Headteacher, it's crucial to articulate your vision for the school. Prepare to discuss how you would inspire both staff and pupils to achieve beyond expectations. Think about specific strategies you've used in the past to cultivate a culture of aspiration and resilience.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be ready to share examples of your leadership experience, especially in complex educational settings. Highlight how you've supported staff development and fostered collaboration. This will demonstrate your ability to guide a passionate team towards operational excellence.
✨Understand Ofsted and Improvement Processes
Brush up on your knowledge of Ofsted inspections and school improvement processes. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully navigated these in previous roles and how you plan to ensure high standards at the new school.
✨Emphasise Wellbeing and Support
Given the focus on wellbeing at Outcomes First Group, be sure to highlight your commitment to creating an environment where every pupil can flourish. Discuss how you would implement personalised support and strong pastoral care to help students reach their full potential.
