At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a new specialist SEN school and create a nurturing environment for students.
- Company: Outcomes First Group, a leading provider of specialist education.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day working week, competitive salary, and comprehensive wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young lives and shape the future of education.
- Qualifications: Experienced in SEN leadership with a deep understanding of trauma-informed practices.
- Other info: Join a certified 'Great Place to Work' and enjoy excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 95000 £ per year.
Work Smarter. Live Better. Join the 4-Day Working Week!
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!
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 a leading provider of specialist education, helping every child flourish. We combine academic ambition with personalised support and strong pastoral care, tailoring teaching to each pupil’s strengths and needs. Our approach fosters confidence, resilience, and curiosity, preparing young people for success in school, life, and beyond. With smaller classes, individualised learning plans, and a holistic approach, we create the environment and opportunities for every pupil to reach their full potential.
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.
Headteacher in Milton Keynes employer: Outcomes First Group
Contact Detail:
Outcomes First Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Headteacher in Milton Keynes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved with SEN. They might have insider info on opportunities or even recommend you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in trauma-informed practice and SEN leadership. Show us you’re not just a candidate, but a thought leader ready to make an impact!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your vision for the new school and how you plan to embed a therapeutic ethos from day one. We want to hear your passion and ideas!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining #teamOFG!
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for education and SEN shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in the lives of children and young people with complex needs.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Headteacher role. Highlight your experience with trauma-informed practices and how you've led teams in similar settings.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to convey your ideas and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you're the perfect fit for our new specialist school.
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 to join #teamOFG.
How to prepare for a job interview at Outcomes First Group
✨Know Your Vision
Before the interview, take some time to think about your vision for the new specialist SEN school. Be ready to articulate how you would establish a strong therapeutic ethos and create an environment where pupils feel safe and supported.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Highlight your previous experience as a Headteacher or Deputy Head in SEN settings. Prepare specific examples of how you've implemented trauma-informed practices and led multidisciplinary teams to achieve positive outcomes for pupils.
✨Understand Ofsted Frameworks
Brush up on your knowledge of Ofsted frameworks for specialist settings. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure compliance and quality in your new role, demonstrating your commitment to maintaining high standards.
✨Engage with the Community
Think about how you would build strong relationships with parents, carers, and local authorities. During the interview, share your strategies for engaging with the community and fostering collaboration to support pupil success.