At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-performing school, ensuring outstanding outcomes for children and young people.
- Company: Outcomes First Group, dedicated to wellbeing and work/life balance.
- Benefits: Life assurance, pension scheme, mental health support, and flexible benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of pupils with complex needs.
- Qualifications: Qualified with UK QTS or equivalent, strong knowledge of SEN.
- Other info: Join a nurturing environment where every child is supported to thrive.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Position: Headteacher
Ryecroft School, Walsall, West Midlands, WS2 7BH
Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only
At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance — and we’re putting wellbeing first. Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW, and others will soon join in. We are seeking an inspirational Headteacher to lead Ryecroft School, ensuring outstanding outcomes for children and young people. Working within the Outcomes First Group framework, you will provide strategic and operational leadership, promoting excellence in education, therapy, safeguarding, staff development, and wellbeing.
- Lead a high-performing school with a clear vision aligned to the Outcomes First Group strategy
- Drive outstanding academic, social, and personal outcomes tailored to each pupil’s needs
- Ensure high-quality teaching, behaviour strategies, attendance, and therapeutic support
- Maintain compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, striving for top inspection outcomes
- Build strong partnerships with pupils, families, local authorities, and external professionals
- Recruit, develop, and lead a motivated staff team, promoting professional growth and positive employee relations
- Serve as a role model, providing effective line management, mentoring, and leadership
This role is central to shaping a school culture where pupils feel safe, supported, and empowered, and where staff can thrive.
We are looking for a Headteacher who is:
- Qualified: UK QTS or equivalent, with a relevant degree and NPQH
- Strong knowledge of SEN: including ASC, learning difficulties, and complex needs
- Compassionate & Resilient: Able to build trusting relationships with pupils facing significant challenges
- Creative & Flexible: Able to adapt, innovate, and meet the individual needs of pupils
Ryecroft School, opened in September 2024 in Walsall, provides specialist education for autistic pupils with complex needs. We offer a nurturing, safe, and structured environment where every child is supported to thrive. Our personalised curriculum and small classes develop independence, life skills, and academic progress. Built on strong relationships with families and professionals, we empower young people to reach their full potential.
For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. 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.
- 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. Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
Headteacher, full time and permanent in Walsall employer: Outcomes First Group
Contact Detail:
Outcomes First Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Headteacher, full time and permanent in Walsall
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in education, attend local events, and join online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its values. Tailor your responses to show how your vision aligns with their mission. We want to see that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the school culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. The more comfortable you are speaking about your experiences, the more likely you are to impress.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher, full time and permanent in Walsall
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 you can inspire and motivate both staff and students at Ryecroft School.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Headteacher. Highlight your experience with SEN and how you've successfully led teams in the past. We love seeing relevant examples that align with our values!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Ryecroft School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Outcomes First Group
✨Know Your Vision
Before the interview, think about your vision for Ryecroft School. Be ready to discuss how you would align your leadership style with the Outcomes First Group strategy. This shows that you’re not just a fit for the role, but that you’re also passionate about the school’s mission.
✨Showcase Your SEN Knowledge
Given the focus on special educational needs, prepare specific examples of how you've successfully supported pupils with ASC and complex needs in the past. This will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to creating an inclusive environment.
✨Highlight Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your approach to leading a motivated staff team. Share examples of how you’ve developed staff professionally and fostered positive employee relations. This is crucial for building a thriving school culture.
✨Engage with Wellbeing Initiatives
Since wellbeing is a priority at Outcomes First Group, come equipped with ideas on how you would promote staff and pupil wellbeing. Discuss any previous initiatives you’ve implemented or participated in that contributed to a positive school environment.