At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a new specialist school for children with SEMH and Autism, shaping their future.
- Company: Join a passionate team at a pioneering educational organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day working week, competitive salary, and extensive wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by creating a nurturing environment for vulnerable young people.
- Qualifications: Experienced Headteacher or Deputy Head with SEN leadership experience required.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative community focused on excellence and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Headteacher – New Specialist SEMH & Autism School
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Hours: Monday–Friday
Start: January 2026
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.
- Shape a school from the ground up
- Create a place where pupils who may have struggled elsewhere can belong, thrive and succeed
- Provide strategic leadership and clear vision for a specialist SEMH/Autism school
- Lead operational delivery, safeguarding, quality and compliance from the outset
- Work closely with therapy colleagues to deliver personalised, pupil-centred pathways
- Build strong relationships with parents, carers and local authorities
Requirements:
- Experienced Headteacher or Deputy Head within SEN, SEMH, specialist or alternative provision
- 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.
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 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:
- 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
- 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
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.
Permanent, Full Time, Headteacher employer: Outcomes First Group
Contact Detail:
Outcomes First Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Permanent, Full Time, Headteacher
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who have experience with SEMH and Autism schools. They might have insider info on job openings or can even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in inclusive education and SEMH practices. Show us that you're not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the challenges and innovations in this field.
✨Tip Number 3
When you get an interview, think about how you can demonstrate your leadership style. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams or initiatives in previous roles, especially in SEN settings.
✨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 our community.
We think you need these skills to ace Permanent, Full Time, Headteacher
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 the lives of pupils with SEMH and Autism.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience as a Headteacher or Deputy Head in SEN or SEMH settings. We’re looking for someone who understands the unique challenges and rewards of this role, so be specific about your achievements and how they relate to our vision.
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. This helps us see how you fit into our team!
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. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
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 SEMH and Autism school. Be ready to articulate how you plan to create an inclusive environment where every pupil can thrive. This will show your passion and commitment to making a real difference.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Ofsted Frameworks
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the Ofsted frameworks relevant to specialist settings. Being able to discuss these frameworks confidently will demonstrate your expertise and readiness to lead the school effectively from the outset.
✨Build Relationships
Think about how you would approach building strong relationships with parents, carers, and local authorities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged stakeholders in the past, as this is crucial for the role and will highlight your collaborative leadership style.
✨Showcase Your SEN Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in SEN, SEMH, or alternative provision settings. Highlight specific achievements and how they relate to the challenges of leading a new school. This will help the interviewers see your capability and fit for the role.