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- Tasks: Lead a school, focusing on quality education and positive outcomes for pupils.
- Company: Outcomes First Group is the UK's leading provider of specialist education for neurodivergent students.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day work week, life assurance, pension options, and extensive wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while working in a supportive and innovative environment.
- Qualifications: Degree and teaching qualifications required; experience in SEND preferred.
- Other info: Join a certified 'Great Place to Work' and be part of a passionate team.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Headteacher – New Specialist SEMH & Autism School
South West England — easily commutable from Bristol, North Somerset, Bath, Cheltenham or Gloucester
Salary: Up to ÂŁ80,000 per annum (dependent on experience, not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Hours: Monday–Friday
Start: January 2026
UK Applicants Only — this role does not offer sponsorship
How would you like to get paid for five days… but only work four?
At Outcomes First Group, we believe great leadership happens when people have the time, space and wellbeing to do their best work. That\’s why we are proud to be part of the 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial — giving you the opportunity to work one day less each week (or equivalent hours) while receiving full-time pay.
Many of our schools already operate the 4DWW; others will adopt it as staffing grows. Whichever setting you join, you\’ll be part of a culture that values balance just as much as impact. There has never been a better time to join #teamOFG.
The Opportunity
We are opening a brand-new, specialist school for children and young people with SEMH, Autism and associated needs — and we are looking for an exceptional Headteacher to bring it to life.
This is a rare chance to:
- Shape a school from the ground up
- Embed therapeutic, trauma-informed practice from day one
- Build a culture where wellbeing, safety and progress sit at the heart of everything
- Lead and inspire a talented multidisciplinary team
- Create a place where pupils who may have struggled elsewhere can belong, thrive and succeed
If you are driven by impact and excited by the idea of building something meaningful, this role offers true legacy.
What You\’ll Do
- Provide strategic leadership and clear vision for a specialist SEMH/Autism school
- Develop a trauma-informed, nurturing and ambitious environment
- Lead operational delivery, safeguarding, quality and compliance from the outset
- 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
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, dedicated to helping every child flourish. We tailor teaching to each pupil\’s strengths, abilities, and aspirations, combining academic ambition with personalised support and strong pastoral care. Our expert-led services foster 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, resources, 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.
#1
Contact Detail:
Outcomes First Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Headteacher
✨Tip Number 1
Network with current and former Headteachers in the Outcomes First Group. They can provide valuable insights into the school's culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in special education needs (SEN) and how they apply to leadership roles. Being well-versed in current practices will demonstrate your commitment to improving educational outcomes for all pupils.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your vision for a 4-Day Working Week in education. This innovative approach is a key part of the role, so showcasing your ideas on how to implement it effectively will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your experience in community engagement and partnerships. As a Headteacher, you'll need to work closely with parents and local authorities, so demonstrating your ability to build strong relationships will be crucial.
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience as a Headteacher, focusing on your leadership skills, educational qualifications, and any specific achievements in improving student outcomes. Use keywords from the job description to align your experience with what OFG is looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for education and your commitment to supporting pupils with special educational needs. Mention how your values align with OFG's mission and how you can contribute to their vision of promoting wellbeing and academic success.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise any previous roles where you have successfully managed a school or educational programme. Include examples of how you've positively influenced students' lives and improved educational practices within your team.
Showcase Communication Skills: As an excellent communicator, it's important to demonstrate this in your application. Provide examples of how you've effectively collaborated with parents, local authorities, and other stakeholders to enhance the educational experience for students.
How to prepare for a job interview at Outcomes First Group
✨Understand the School's Vision
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the school's vision and ethos. Be prepared to discuss how your leadership style aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to promoting a positive educational environment.
✨Showcase Your SEND Experience
As they are looking for SEND professionals, highlight your experience working with special education needs. Share specific examples of how you've successfully supported pupils and improved their learning outcomes.
✨Communicate Your Leadership Approach
Be ready to articulate your leadership philosophy and how you inspire and motivate a multi-disciplinary team. Discuss your strategies for fostering collaboration among staff, parents, and local authorities to enhance student support.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare insightful questions about the school's culture, challenges, and future plans. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
