At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a new school, shaping its vision and culture for student success.
- Company: Outcomes First Group, a leading provider of specialist education.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day work week, competitive salary, and exceptional wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on students' lives while enjoying a great work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and knowledge of diverse learning needs required.
- Other info: Join a certified 'Great Place to Work' with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 85000 £ per year.
Headteacher – New Specialist SEN School Location: South East England — commutable across the region 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. 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 a leading provider of specialist education, helping every child flourish. We combine academic ambition with personalised support and strong pastoral care, tailoring teaching to each pupil’s strengths and needs. Our approach fosters confidence, resilience, and curiosity ,
preparing young people for success in school, life, and beyond. With smaller classes, individualised learning plans, and a holistic approach ,
we create the environment and opportunities for every pupil to reach their full potential. 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 a Headteacher role or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s ethos and values. Tailor your responses to show how your vision aligns with theirs. We want to see that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the culture!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! Bring examples of how you've inspired teams and improved student outcomes. We love to see candidates who can demonstrate their impact through real-life scenarios.
✨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 making a difference in education.
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for education and what makes you tick as a leader.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific role of Headteacher at Outcomes First Group. Highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with our vision for creating an inspiring school environment.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t hold back on sharing your successes! Use concrete examples of how you've led teams, improved student outcomes, or fostered a positive school culture. We love to see how you’ve made a difference in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our amazing team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Outcomes First Group
✨Know Your Vision
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your vision for the new school. Outcomes First Group is looking for someone who can translate their vision into strategy, so be prepared to discuss how you would inspire both staff and pupils to achieve beyond expectations.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Highlight your proven leadership experience as a Headteacher or Deputy Headteacher. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've supported pupils with diverse learning needs and how you've successfully managed teams to foster collaboration and innovation.
✨Understand Ofsted Frameworks
Brush up on your knowledge of Ofsted frameworks and school improvement processes. Being able to discuss how you would ensure operational excellence and compliance from the outset will demonstrate your readiness for the role.
✨Emphasise Wellbeing and Culture
Outcomes First Group places a strong emphasis on wellbeing and creating a positive school culture. Be prepared to discuss how you would build a culture of aspiration, resilience, and personal growth among both staff and pupils, ensuring that every child can thrive.