Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a specialist SEMH school, ensuring every pupil thrives academically and emotionally.
- Company: Dibden Park School, part of Outcomes First Group, dedicated to inclusive education.
- Benefits: Up to £85,000 salary, life assurance, pension scheme, and mental health support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while shaping the future of education.
- Qualifications: Experienced Headteacher or Deputy Head with SEN leadership and QTS/QTLS.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment focused on meaningful outcomes for every pupil.
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 102000 £ per year.
Position: Headteacher
Location: Dibden Park School, Southampton SO45 5TD
Salary: Up to £85,000.00 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)
Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
We’re looking for an inspiring and experienced Headteacher to lead Dibden Park School, a specialist SEMH school, and drive outstanding outcomes for our pupils. This is a unique opportunity to build on a strong foundation, shaping the future of the school while ensuring every pupil receives the support they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
As Headteacher, you will provide visionary leadership, creating a culture where pupils thrive and staff feel inspired, motivated, and supported. You will oversee the overall performance, development, and success of the school, ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory frameworks and delivering personalised education tailored to meet each pupil’s unique needs.
- Lead the school to deliver exceptional outcomes tailored to individual pupil needs
- Create and sustain a safe, nurturing, and ambitious environment for pupils and staff
- Ensure full compliance with safeguarding, statutory, and regulatory requirements
- Drive operational planning, strategic growth, and effective resource management
- Champion personalised learning, wellbeing, and inclusion across the school
Requirements:
- Experienced Headteacher or Deputy Head within SEN, SEMH, specialist, or alternative provision
- Skilled in budget, resource, and change management
- Knowledgeable in Ofsted frameworks for specialist settings
- Committed to inclusive education and aspirational outcomes for every pupil
- Holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS/QTLS) with significant SEN leadership experience
- Full UK Driving Licence
Join us at Dibden Park School and help shape the future of a thriving SEMH school, where staff are supported, pupils flourish, and every day is focused on achieving meaningful outcomes.
Dibden Park School is an independent specialist school in Southampton, providing inclusive education within a safe, nurturing environment. We support pupils aged 8–16 with complex needs, including social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) challenges, communication and interaction difficulties, and associated behaviours.
Our mission is to help every child achieve the best possible outcomes. We provide a personalised, engaging, and balanced curriculum, covering formal lessons and broader learning experiences throughout the school day. Every pupil receives individualised support to develop academically, socially, and emotionally, ensuring they are ready to move on positively in their education.
Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people’s lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence-based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact.
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.
- 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. Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
Headteacher - Full Time, Permanent employer: Outcomes First Group
Contact Detail:
Outcomes First Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Headteacher - Full Time, Permanent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education, attend local events, and join online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨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 your passion for creating a nurturing environment for pupils!
✨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 apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher - Full Time, Permanent
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 both pupils and staff, so share your vision for creating a thriving school environment.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in SEN and SEMH settings. We’re looking for someone who understands the unique challenges and rewards of this role, so be specific about your past achievements and how they relate to our needs.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that directly address the key responsibilities outlined in the job description. This helps us see how you fit into our vision for Dibden Park School.
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 at Dibden Park School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Outcomes First Group
✨Know the School Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research Dibden Park School thoroughly. Understand its mission, values, and the specific challenges it faces as a specialist SEMH school. This knowledge will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in leading the school.
✨Showcase Your Visionary Leadership
As a Headteacher, you'll need to inspire both staff and pupils. Prepare to discuss your vision for the school and how you plan to create a nurturing environment. Think about specific strategies you've implemented in the past that have led to positive outcomes, especially in SEN or SEMH settings.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenging situations. Prepare examples from your experience where you've successfully managed change, ensured compliance with safeguarding regulations, or championed personalised learning. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Highlight Your Commitment to Inclusion
Dibden Park School is all about inclusive education. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve promoted inclusion and wellbeing in your previous roles. Share specific initiatives you've led that have supported diverse learners and fostered an environment where every pupil can thrive.
