At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a dynamic PE and Outdoor Education curriculum for students.
- Company: Join a supportive school focused on student wellbeing and innovative education.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day work week, competitive salary, and flexible perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young people's lives while enjoying a great work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Qualified teacher with experience in supporting diverse learning needs.
- Other info: Be part of a passionate team in a peaceful woodland setting.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 44000 £ per year.
Get Paid for Five Days… but Only Work Four!
Position: Head of Faculty – Physical Education and Outdoor Education
Location: The Greater Horseshoe School, Heathfield, TQ12 6RH
Salary: From £44,000 per annum (dependent on experience, not pro rata)
Hours: 40.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday
Rota: Monday–Friday 8:30am–4:40pm | Tuesday 8:30am–5:00pm (training)
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: March 2026
UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.
About the Role
The Head of Faculty (PE and Outdoor Education) is a key leadership role responsible for shaping, developing, and delivering an inspiring PE and Outdoor Education curriculum across all key stages. You will work closely with the Senior Leadership Team, SENDCo, and clinical team to ensure every student has access to high-quality physical education, outdoor learning experiences, and extra-curricular opportunities that support their academic, social, and personal development. This role combines strategic leadership, curriculum oversight, and team management to ensure the department delivers excellence and promotes a culture of high expectations across the school.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop an engaging PE and Outdoor Education curriculum across all key stages and sites
- Ensure high standards of pupil attainment, progress, and outcomes within the faculty
- Inspire, motivate, and manage the PE and ODE team, providing supervision, performance management, and career development support
- Design and implement differentiated schemes of work that enable all students to make progress and achieve their potential
- Undertake regular audits, quality assurance checks, and self-evaluation to maintain and improve standards across the department
- Ensure all Health and Safety requirements are met in lessons, outdoor activities, and preparation areas
This role is ideal for an ambitious, creative, and dynamic leader with a passion for PE, outdoor education, and student wellbeing, who can inspire a team and make a lasting impact on young people’s learning and personal development.
About You
- Qualified: UK QTS and a relevant honours degree
- Experienced: Strong understanding of SEMH needs, with experience supporting pupils who may also present with ASC, learning difficulties, and complex needs
- Compassionate & Resilient: Able to build trusting relationships with pupils who may have faced significant challenges
- Knowledgeable: Comfortable teaching all three areas of PE and ODE
- Creative & Flexible: You’ll need to adapt and innovate to meet individual needs
About Us
The Greater Horseshoe School is an independent special school near Newton Abbot in Devon, providing education for young people with complex needs. Set in a peaceful woodland environment and supported by a nearby care farm, we combine academic and vocational programmes with outdoor learning and therapeutic approaches tailored to each pupil’s individual strengths and needs. Our experienced staff work closely with every young person to remove barriers to learning, foster personal and social development, and create a caring, inclusive environment that enables pupils to achieve positive outcomes and build the skills, confidence, and resilience needed for their future.
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 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.
Why Join Us?
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.
Benefits include:
- Life Assurance & Pension scheme
- Mental health support, physical health checks, and wellbeing services
- Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista) to choose perks that suit you
- Cycle to Work & Electric Car Purchase Schemes
- Family Growth Support, including enhanced parental leave and fertility treatment support
- 4-Day Working Week: Work 80% of your hours, get 100% pay**Subject to successful probation. Not a contractual benefit.
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.
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 there’s never been a more exciting time to join us #teamOFG!
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.
Head of Faculty Physical Education and Outdoor Education (Heathfield) employer: Outcomes First Group
Contact Detail:
Outcomes First Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Faculty Physical Education and Outdoor Education (Heathfield)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts 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 and its values. Understand their approach to PE and Outdoor Education, and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've inspired students in PE or outdoor settings. Highlight any innovative programmes you've implemented that align with their focus on wellbeing and personal development.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining #teamOFG and contributing to their fantastic work in education.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Faculty Physical Education and Outdoor Education (Heathfield)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for in a Head of Faculty.
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for Physical Education and Outdoor Education shine through! Share specific examples of how you've inspired students or developed innovative programmes in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key achievements stand out. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application via our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people and helps us keep track of all applications efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Outcomes First Group
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the PE and Outdoor Education curriculum. Familiarise yourself with the latest teaching methods, health and safety regulations, and how to cater for students with SEMH needs. This will show your passion and readiness to lead.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your approach to inspiring and managing a team. Think of examples where you've motivated staff or improved student outcomes. Highlight your experience in performance management and career development support.
✨Connect with the School's Values
Research The Greater Horseshoe School and understand its ethos around wellbeing and outdoor learning. Be ready to explain how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission of making a real difference in students' lives.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Have a few insightful questions ready to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the school's plans for the 4-Day Working Week or how they measure success in the PE and Outdoor Education faculty. It shows your genuine interest in the role and the school.