Headteacher (Bury, St Edmunds)

Headteacher (Bury, St Edmunds)

Full-Time 64000 - 96000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a creative learning environment and maximise student achievement.
  • Company: Join Abbey Gardens, 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 culture.
  • Qualifications: Must have UK QTS and at least three years as a senior leader in a specialist school.
  • Other info: Be part of a new school opening in 2026, with a focus on inclusivity and growth.

The predicted salary is between 64000 - 96000 £ per year.

How would you like to get paid for five days, but only work four? At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balanceand were putting wellbeing first. Thats why were 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 4DWWand others are preparing to roll it out as soon as they reach full staffing. So whether its already in place or just around the corner, nows the perfect time to join #teamOFG. Job Title:Headteacher Location:Abbey Gardens School, Bury St Edmunds IP32 6SA Salary:Up to 80,000.00 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 pupilachievement, 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 years 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 UKs 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 Great Place to Work 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 youll 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 youll get an exceptional reward package including: Life Assurance Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions Your Wellbeing Mattersaccess 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 thats right for you, including: A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits 100s 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. *Youll 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 (Bury, St Edmunds) employer: Outcomes First Group

At Outcomes First Group, we prioritise your wellbeing and work/life balance, offering a unique 4-Day Working Week that allows you to enjoy a full-time salary while working fewer hours. As a Headteacher at Abbey Gardens School in Bury St Edmunds, you'll be part of a supportive community dedicated to high-quality education, with access to extensive professional development opportunities and a comprehensive benefits package designed to enhance your health and happiness.
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Contact Detail:

Outcomes First Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Headteacher (Bury, St Edmunds)

✨Tip Number 1

Network with current and former headteachers in the Acorn Education family. 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 educational policies and frameworks relevant to special education needs. Being well-versed in these areas will demonstrate your commitment to meeting statutory requirements and achieving outstanding outcomes for students.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your vision for the school and how it aligns with the overall strategy of Acorn Education. Articulating a clear and inspiring vision will show your leadership capabilities and your understanding of the school's goals.

✨Tip Number 4

Highlight your experience in managing staff and fostering a motivated team. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, as this is crucial for the role of Headteacher.

We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher (Bury, St Edmunds)

Leadership Skills
Strategic Planning
Curriculum Development
Performance Management
Staff Recruitment and Induction
Communication Skills
Safeguarding Knowledge
Financial Management
Regulatory Compliance
Motivational Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Adaptability
Visionary Thinking
Collaboration and Teamwork
Commitment to Professional Development

Some tips for your application 🫡

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 creating a safe and nurturing environment for students. Mention how your vision aligns with the goals of Abbey Gardens School and Outcomes First Group.

Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent qualifications. If you have completed NPQH or have experience in performance management, make sure to include this information as it is desirable for the role.

Showcase Your Leadership Philosophy: Discuss your approach to leadership and management in your application. Emphasise your understanding of how these processes contribute to pupil outcomes, staff motivation, and overall school success, which are key objectives for the Headteacher role.

How to prepare for a job interview at Outcomes First Group

✨Understand the 4-Day Working Week

Make sure you grasp the concept of the 4-Day Working Week and how it benefits both staff and students. Be prepared to discuss how this innovative approach can enhance work-life balance and improve overall school performance.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience

Highlight your experience as a senior leader in a specialist school, particularly focusing on your ability to lead teams and inspire staff. Prepare examples of how you've motivated staff and improved pupil outcomes in previous roles.

✨Demonstrate Your Vision for Education

Articulate a clear vision for the school that aligns with the values of Acorn Education. Discuss how you plan to create a nurturing and inclusive environment that meets the diverse needs of pupils aged 11 to 18.

✨Prepare for Questions on Safeguarding

Given the importance of safeguarding in education, be ready to discuss your approach to ensuring the safety and welfare of pupils. Share specific strategies you've implemented in the past to create a safe learning environment.

Headteacher (Bury, St Edmunds)
Outcomes First Group
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  • Headteacher (Bury, St Edmunds)

    Full-Time
    64000 - 96000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-09-01

  • O

    Outcomes First Group

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