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- 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 wellbeing 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 pupils.
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.
Benefits include:
- 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 - SEN School (Permanent) employer: Outcomes First Group
Contact Detail:
Outcomes First Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Headteacher - SEN School (Permanent)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who have experience in SEN or SEMH settings. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s ethos and values. Show us how your vision aligns with theirs, especially when it comes to creating a nurturing environment for pupils. Tailor your examples to highlight your leadership style and commitment to inclusive education.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a follow-up! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing the job! We want to see your application directly, so make sure you showcase your unique skills and experiences that make you the perfect fit for leading a specialist SEMH school.
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher - SEN School (Permanent)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for education and supporting pupils shine through. We want to see how you can inspire and lead a team while making a real difference in the lives of young people.
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 mission.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that directly address the key responsibilities and requirements outlined in the job description. This helps us see how you fit into our vision.
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 Your SEN Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of special educational needs and mental health challenges. Familiarise yourself with the latest Ofsted frameworks and how they apply to specialist settings. This will show that you're not just experienced, but also current and committed to best practices.
✨Showcase Your Vision
Prepare to articulate your vision for the school clearly. Think about how you would create a nurturing environment and drive exceptional outcomes for pupils. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've implemented in the past that have led to positive changes.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Headteacher, you'll need to inspire and motivate staff. Come prepared with examples of how you've successfully led teams, managed change, and fostered a culture of inclusion and support. Highlight your experience in budget and resource management as well.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's culture, challenges, and future goals. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.
