Headteacher

We are opening a brand-new specialist SEN school for children and young people with complex needs and are seeking an exceptional Headteacher to lead its development. This role offers the chance to create a school with a strong therapeutic ethos, where wellbeing, safety and progress are central to everything we do. Our aim is to establish the vision and culture of a new specialist school, embed therapeutic, trauma‑informed practice from day one, lead and inspire a talented multidisciplinary team, and create an environment where pupils can feel safe, supported and able to succeed.

Location:

South East England – easily commutable within the Thames Valley
Salary:
Up to £95,000 per annum (dependent on experience; not pro rata)

Contract:

Permanent | Term Time Only

Hours:

Monday–Friday
Start:
March 2026
UK Applicants Only – this role does not offer sponsorship

• Provide strategic leadership and clear vision for a specialist SEMH/Autism school
• Develop a nurturing, ambitious and trauma‑informed environment
• Lead operational delivery, safeguarding, quality and compliance
• Recruit, inspire and develop a highly skilled staff team
• Work closely with therapy colleagues to deliver personalised, pupil‑centred pathways
• Build strong relationships with parents, carers and local authorities

• Experienced Headteacher or Deputy Head within SEN, SEMH, specialist or alternative provision
• Deep understanding of trauma‑informed practice and behaviour as communication
• 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
• Full UK Driving Licence

Outcomes First Group is a leading provider of specialist education, helping every child flourish. We combine academic ambition with personalised support and strong pastoral care, tailoring teaching to each pupil's strengths and needs. Our approach fosters confidence, resilience and Work Smarter. Live Better. Join the 4‑Day Working Week! We are proud to have been certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

• 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

All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS. Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.

Apply now to lead a new specialist school and make a lasting difference in pupils' lives.