At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a school dedicated to empowering autistic pupils with complex needs.
- Company: Outcomes First Group, prioritising 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 young people every day.
- Qualifications: UK QTS or equivalent, strong SEN knowledge, and leadership skills.
- Other info: Join a nurturing environment focused on personal and academic growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 Β£ per year.
Position: Headteacher at 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 are putting wellbeing first. 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.
Benefits include:
- 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.
School Director in Walsall employer: Outcomes First Group
Contact Detail:
Outcomes First Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land School Director in Walsall
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in education, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its values. Understand their approach to education and wellbeing, and think about how your vision aligns with theirs. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they're about.
β¨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've led teams or improved outcomes in previous roles. Use stories that highlight your compassion, resilience, and creativity in tackling challenges.
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows youβre serious about joining our mission to make a difference in education.
We think you need these skills to ace School Director in Walsall
Some tips for your application π«‘
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 Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in special educational needs and leadership. Weβre looking for someone who understands the unique challenges faced by our pupils, so be specific about how your background aligns with this role.
Be Authentic: Donβt be afraid to show your personality! We value authenticity and want to know what makes you tick as a leader. Share your vision for creating a supportive and empowering school culture.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. Itβs the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Outcomes First Group
β¨Know Your Vision
Before the interview, think about your vision for Ryecroft School. Be ready to discuss how you would lead the school in alignment with the Outcomes First Group strategy. Show them you understand their mission and how you can contribute to it.
β¨Showcase Your Experience with SEN
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully supported pupils with special educational needs. Highlight your knowledge of ASC and complex needs, and how you've tailored strategies to meet individual requirements.
β¨Demonstrate Compassion and Resilience
During the interview, share stories that illustrate your ability to build trusting relationships with pupils facing challenges. This role requires a compassionate approach, so let your genuine passion for supporting young people shine through.
β¨Engage with the Community
Be prepared to discuss how you would build strong partnerships with families, local authorities, and external professionals. Think of ways you've successfully collaborated in the past and how you plan to foster those relationships at Ryecroft School.