At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a new school, shaping its vision and culture for student success.
- Company: Outcomes First Group, a certified Great Place to Work.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day work week, competitive salary, and extensive wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while enjoying a better work/life balance.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and knowledge of diverse learning needs.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to excellence and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 92000 £ per year.
Headteacher
New Specialist SEMH & Autism School South West England
easily commutable from Bristol, North Somerset, Bath, Cheltenham or Gloucester Salary: Up to 80,000 per annum
(dependent on experience, not pro rata) Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only Hours: MondayFriday 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. Thats 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, youll 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 Youll 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 Were 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? At Outcomes First Group, every day brings the chance to make a meaningful, lasting difference. In return for your expertise and commitment, we offer outstanding career development and access to a network of exceptional leaders across our organisation. You will be joining passionate, values-driven colleagues who share your belief in excellence
supported by a collaborative community that empowers you to lead with confidence, innovation, and impact. 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. We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, and youll start each day knowing your work is making a significant positive difference. 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 receive an exceptional reward package, including: Life Assurance Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions Your Wellbeing Matters
access to a wide range of mental health support services and physical health checks Our market-leading benefits platform, Vista, allows you to tailor a package that suits your needs, including: A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance options Hundreds of discounts in the UK and abroad Cycle to Work Scheme Electric Car Purchase Scheme Critical illness cover Family Growth Support
covering enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. 4DWW will be rolled out within our school, when we have a full complement of staff
so theres never been a more exciting time to join us #teamOFG! 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit. 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
Headteacher (South West 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 West England)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education, 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. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly understands their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or colleagues 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 West 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 excited you are about shaping a new school and making a difference in students' lives.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience as a Headteacher or Deputy Headteacher. We’re looking for someone who can translate their past successes into the vision for our new school, so be specific about your achievements!
Be Authentic: Don’t be afraid to show your personality! We value authenticity and want to get to know the real you. Share your unique approach to leadership and how you plan to inspire both staff and pupils.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Outcomes First Group
✨Know Your Vision
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your vision for the new school. Outcomes First Group is looking for someone who can translate their vision into strategy, so be ready to share your ideas on how you would shape the culture and direction of the school.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in supporting diverse and complex learning needs. Discuss how you've inspired teams in the past and how you plan to recruit and develop talent within the new setting.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Ofsted Frameworks
Brush up on your knowledge of Ofsted frameworks and school improvement processes. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure operational excellence and compliance from the outset, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Emphasise Wellbeing and Culture
Outcomes First Group places a strong emphasis on wellbeing and a positive school culture. Be ready to talk about how you would foster a culture of aspiration, resilience, and personal growth among both staff and pupils.