At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a new specialist school, creating an inclusive environment for children with additional needs.
- Company: Outcomes First Group, a values-driven organisation transforming lives in education.
- 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 great work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Qualified teacher with leadership experience in special education and a passion for inclusion.
- Other info: Join a supportive community dedicated to excellence and career development.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
How would you like to get paid for five days, but only work four? 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, where you can work one day less each week (or equivalent hours), while still receiving your full-time pay.
Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW and others are preparing to roll it out as soon as they reach full staffing. So whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG.
Location: North West England — commutable across the region
Salary: Up to £70,000 per annum (dependent on experience; not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday–Friday
Start: January 2026 / February 2026
UK applicants only – this role does not offer sponsorship
Are you a visionary, compassionate leader ready to transform lives? Outcomes First Group is seeking an exceptional Head of School to lead a new specialist provision in North West England. This is a rare opportunity to shape a school from the ground up, creating an environment where children and young people with additional needs can thrive and achieve their full potential.
This role sits within one of our specialist brands supporting SEMH and Autism provision. We are particularly interested in leaders with experience supporting pupils with Autism or SEMH, though expertise across the broader spectrum of complex needs is highly valued.
About the Role
As Head of School, you will lead with purpose and heart, creating a culture that balances outstanding outcomes, wellbeing, and innovation. Your strategic vision and hands-on leadership will inspire a high-performing team to deliver an inclusive, therapeutic, and personalised education.
You will drive excellence across all aspects of school life, ensuring compliance with Ofsted and DfE standards while delivering exceptional student progress.
Key Responsibilities
- Transformational Leadership: Champion a safe, nurturing, and motivating environment for pupils and staff
- Outstanding Outcomes: Enable learners with complex needs to achieve life-changing progress
- Curriculum Excellence: Oversee an engaging, inclusive curriculum that meets the highest educational standards
- Innovative Inclusion: Embed therapeutic approaches, positive behaviour strategies, and inclusive practices
- Staff Empowerment: Inspire, develop, and manage a passionate team to achieve their full potential
- Community & Partnerships: Build strong relationships with families, local authorities, and community partners
About You
We are looking for a visionary and empathetic leader with a proven track record in special education:
- Qualified teacher (QTS or equivalent) with at least 3 years senior leadership experience in SEN/SEMH
- Experience in leading a special school or specialist provision
- Background in primary education
- Skilled in curriculum leadership, assessment, and delivering outstanding outcomes
- Strong experience in staff development, performance management, and team building
- Knowledge and experience supporting children and young people with complex or challenging behaviours, including Autism
- Innovative, collaborative, and passionate about creating lasting positive change
This is a unique opportunity to lead a new specialist provision within Outcomes First Group, a family of schools and provisions dedicated to transforming the lives of children and young people with SEMH and Autism. You will have the autonomy and support to make a lasting difference in a pioneering, values-driven organisation.
If you are ready to lead, inspire, and transform, this is the role to step into.
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 you’ll 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 you’ll 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 there’s 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.
Jobs in Schools employer: Outcomes First Group
Contact Detail:
Outcomes First Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Jobs in Schools
✨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 and its values. Understand their approach to special 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 leadership style! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've transformed educational environments or supported staff development. This will demonstrate your capability to lead and inspire a team effectively.
✨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 genuinely interested in joining #teamOFG and making a difference in the lives of students.
We think you need these skills to ace Jobs in Schools
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for education and how you connect with students.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific role of Head of School. Highlight your experience with SEMH and Autism, and show us how your vision aligns with our values at Outcomes First Group.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We’re looking for a transformational leader, so be sure to include examples of how you've inspired and developed teams in the past. Share stories that demonstrate your ability to create a nurturing environment for both staff and students.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details and gives you a chance to explore more about what makes #teamOFG special.
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 school. Outcomes First Group is looking for a leader who can inspire and create a nurturing environment. Be ready to share your ideas on how you would transform the school and support pupils with complex needs.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Make sure to highlight your experience in special education, particularly with SEMH and Autism. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led teams or implemented innovative practices that have made a difference in students' lives. This will demonstrate your capability and passion for the role.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Outcomes First Group values strong community partnerships. Be prepared to discuss how you've built relationships with families, local authorities, and other stakeholders in the past. Share examples of how collaboration has led to positive outcomes for students and the school community.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's culture, the implementation of the 4-Day Working Week, and how they support staff wellbeing. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.