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- Tasks: Lead a brand-new school, shaping its culture and curriculum for pupils aged 13-19.
- Company: Join Outcomes First Group, a top-rated workplace dedicated to innovative education.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day work week, health perks, and a supportive family growth package.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young lives while leading a state-of-the-art educational facility.
- Qualifications: Must have Headteacher experience and Qualified Teacher Status or equivalent.
- Other info: Be part of a purpose-driven team focused on pupil outcomes and personal development.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 90000 £ 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
Contact Detail:
Outcomes First Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Headteacher
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of pupils with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) challenges. Understanding these requirements will help you demonstrate your commitment to creating an inclusive environment during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the latest trends in educational leadership and innovative teaching methods. Being well-versed in current practices will allow you to showcase your vision for the new school and how you plan to implement effective strategies.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with other educational leaders and professionals in the field. Engaging with peers can provide valuable insights and connections that may enhance your application and show your proactive approach to leadership.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your previous leadership experiences in detail, particularly those that involved building teams and fostering a positive school culture. Highlighting your successes in these areas will be crucial in demonstrating your suitability for the Headteacher role.
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your previous experience as a Headteacher and any relevant leadership roles. Emphasise your achievements in improving pupil outcomes and managing staff effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for education and your vision for leading a new school. Mention specific strategies you would implement to support pupils with SEMH needs and how you plan to foster a culture of aspiration and excellence.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Ensure you clearly state your Qualified Teacher Status or equivalent qualifications. Include any additional certifications or training that demonstrate your commitment to personal and professional development.
Showcase Leadership Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've successfully led teams and driven educational initiatives. Discuss your approach to enhancing behaviour, boosting attendance, and implementing therapeutic programmes.
How to prepare for a job interview at Outcomes First Group
✨Show Your Vision
As a Headteacher, it's crucial to articulate your vision for the school. Be prepared to discuss how you would shape the culture and environment at Avonside School, focusing on inclusion and excellence.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Highlight your previous leadership roles and successes. Provide specific examples of how you've driven exceptional outcomes in past positions, especially in settings that support pupils with SEMH needs.
✨Engage with the Curriculum
Familiarise yourself with innovative teaching methods and curriculum design. Be ready to discuss how you would implement a highly engaging curriculum that meets the diverse needs of students at Avonside School.
✨Prepare for Behaviour Management Strategies
Since improving engagement and behaviour is key, come equipped with strategies you've successfully used in the past. Discuss how you would foster a positive learning environment that supports both academic and personal growth.
