At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a specialist school, ensuring outstanding outcomes for pupils with complex needs.
- Company: Outcomes First Group, dedicated to improving education and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Life assurance, pension scheme, mental health support, and flexible benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while shaping a positive school culture.
- Qualifications: Qualified teacher status, strong SEN knowledge, and leadership experience.
- Other info: Join a nurturing environment focused on personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Position: Headteacher
Location: 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 - SEN School (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 - SEN School (Permanent) in Walsall
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who have experience with SEN 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 school and its values. Understand their approach to SEN and be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with theirs. We want to see your passion for making a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led teams or implemented strategies that improved outcomes for students. We love hearing about real-life experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission to empower young people.
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher - SEN School (Permanent) in Walsall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Headteacher role at Ryecroft School. Highlight your experience with SEN and how it aligns with our vision for outstanding outcomes.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: We want to see how you lead and inspire others! Share examples of how you've built strong teams and fostered a positive school culture. This is your chance to shine as a compassionate and resilient leader.
Be Authentic: Let your personality come through in your application. We value creativity and flexibility, so don’t be afraid to share your unique approach to education and how you connect with pupils facing challenges.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s straightforward and ensures we get all the info we need to consider you for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Outcomes First Group
✨Know Your SEN Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Special Educational Needs (SEN), particularly around autism and complex needs. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've implemented in the past that have led to positive outcomes for pupils. This shows you’re not just familiar with the theory but can apply it effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your leadership approach and how you’ve successfully managed teams in the past. Think of examples where you’ve inspired staff, fostered professional growth, or created a positive school culture. This is your chance to demonstrate how you can lead Ryecroft School towards excellence.
✨Emphasise Wellbeing and Relationships
Since wellbeing is a priority for Outcomes First Group, be ready to discuss how you’ve supported both pupil and staff wellbeing in previous roles. Share specific initiatives you’ve led that have built strong relationships with families and external professionals, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview that reflect your understanding of the school's mission and values. Inquire about their vision for the future, how they measure success, or what challenges they currently face. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the school aligns with your values.