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- Tasks: Lead a new school, shaping its vision and culture for student success.
- Company: Outcomes First Group, a leading provider of specialist education.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day work week, competitive salary, and exceptional wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on students' lives while enjoying a great work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and knowledge of diverse learning needs required.
- Other info: Join a certified Great Place to Work with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 102000 £ 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
Headteacher (South East England) employer: Outcomes First Group
Contact Detail:
Outcomes First Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Headteacher (South East England)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, attend local events, and join online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s ethos and values. Tailor your responses to show how your vision aligns with theirs. We want to see that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the culture!
✨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 are proactive about joining #teamOFG.
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher (South East England)
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 others and create a thriving environment for pupils.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in leading schools or supporting diverse learners. We’re looking for someone who can translate their past successes into our new setting.
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.
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.
How to prepare for a job interview at Outcomes First Group
✨Know the Vision
Before your interview, dive deep into the vision and values of Outcomes First Group. Understand how they aim to create an environment where every pupil thrives. This will help you articulate how your leadership style aligns with their mission.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your leadership experience, especially in supporting diverse learning needs. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully implemented strategies that led to school improvement and high standards.
✨Engage with the Culture
Familiarise yourself with the 4-Day Working Week initiative and how it impacts staff wellbeing. Be prepared to discuss how you would foster a culture of aspiration and resilience within the school while balancing operational excellence.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the new specialist education setting and the challenges it may face. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your leadership approach.
