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- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team to create a nurturing environment for pupils with special educational needs.
- Company: Join Ryecroft School, part of Outcomes First Group, committed to wellbeing and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day working week, competitive salary, and comprehensive wellbeing support.
- Other info: Be part of a dedicated team shaping the future of education for autistic pupils.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while enjoying a great work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Experience in leadership, safeguarding, and a passion for education.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 57000 £ per year.
Work Smarter. Live Better. Join the 4-Day Working Week!
Location: Ryecroft School, Walsall, West Midlands, WS2 7BH
Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8:30am - 4:00pm
Salary: Up to £50,000.00 per annum (not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: March 2026
UK applicants only no sponsorship available.
At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance and are 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.
About The Role
As Assistant Headteacher, you will be at the heart of the leadership team, helping shape the future of Ryecroft School and ensuring every pupil thrives. This is more than a leadership role – it’s an opportunity to embed a culture of excellence, safeguarding, and inclusion across the school, supporting both staff and pupils to reach their full potential. Working alongside the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team, you will help drive strategic priorities, enhance teaching and learning, and ensure operational excellence. You’ll be a visible, approachable leader who sets high expectations while fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for staff, pupils, and families alike.
You Will:
- Support the Headteacher in leading the school, ensuring high-quality education, care, and wellbeing for all pupils.
- Act as a core member of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to strategy, school improvement, and operational planning.
- Embed a strong culture of safeguarding, inclusion, and pupil safety across the school community.
- Develop and maintain effective systems, processes, and routines to support smooth day-to-day operations.
- Liaise with parents, carers, external agencies, and stakeholders to ensure holistic support for pupils.
- Provide clear advice, reports, and recommendations to the Headteacher, Regional Director, and governance bodies.
About You
We’re looking for a senior leader who combines experience, vision, and heart:
- Qualified Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
- Strong commitment to personal and professional development.
- Secure understanding of safeguarding legislation, policies, and best practice.
- Sound knowledge of education law, SEN requirements, and statutory frameworks.
- Proven ability to lead strategically while remaining approachable, supportive, and practical.
- Inspirational communicator with the ability to motivate staff and drive positive change.
At Ryecroft School, you’ll join a dedicated team who are passionate about making a real difference in the lives of pupils with special educational needs. You’ll play a pivotal role in shaping a school where every child feels safe, supported, and empowered to succeed.
About Us
Ryecroft School, opened in September 2024 in Walsall, provides specialist education for autistic pupils aged 4–18 with complex needs. We offer a nurturing, safe, and structured environment where every child is supported to thrive. Small classes and personalised timetables ensure tailored learning, independence, and life skills development. Our skilled staff foster strong relationships with families and professionals to maximise each pupil’s potential. We celebrate every pupil’s journey, promoting wellbeing, achievement, and creativity across all aspects of school life. At Ryecroft School, children flourish academically, socially, and emotionally in a supportive, inclusive environment.
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. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care. 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.
Why Join Us?
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 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. Not a contractual benefit.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. 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.
Assistant Headteacher in Walsall employer: Sun Spray Salon
Contact Detail:
Sun Spray Salon Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Headteacher in Walsall
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Ryecroft School on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the school culture and what they really value in an Assistant Headteacher.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by thinking about how you can contribute to the 4-Day Working Week. We want to see how you can maintain high standards while promoting wellbeing for both staff and pupils.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! During the interview, share specific examples of how you've fostered a supportive environment in previous roles. We love hearing about real-life experiences that demonstrate your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! This is your chance to find out more about the school's vision and how you can help shape it. It shows us you're genuinely interested and ready to dive in.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Headteacher in Walsall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Assistant Headteacher role. Highlight your experience in leadership, safeguarding, and inclusion, as these are key aspects that we’re looking for.
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for education and supporting pupils shine through in your written application. We want to see your commitment to making a difference in the lives of children with special educational needs.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically so that we can easily see how you meet the criteria for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures that your application is processed efficiently and reaches the right people at Outcomes First Group.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sun Spray Salon
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you’re well-versed in the school's ethos and values. Familiarise yourself with their approach to safeguarding and inclusion, as these are key aspects of the role. Being able to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission will show that you’re genuinely interested.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As an Assistant Headteacher, your leadership style is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or initiatives in the past. Think about times when you’ve motivated staff or improved student outcomes, and be ready to share these stories during the interview.
✨Engage with Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school’s future plans, the culture among staff, and how they support professional development. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.
✨Be Approachable and Authentic
The role requires you to be a visible and approachable leader. During the interview, let your personality shine through. Be genuine in your responses and demonstrate your passion for education and supporting pupils with special educational needs. This will help you connect with the interviewers on a personal level.