Headteacher

Join to apply for the Headteacher role at Outcomes First Group

How would you like to get paid for five days, but only work four?
* At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance — and we’re putting wellbeing first. That’s why we’re proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4

DWW) trial, where you can work one day less each week (or equivalent hours), while still receiving your full-time pay. Many of our schools have already introduced the 4

DWW — and others are preparing to roll it out as soon as they reach full staffing. So, whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #team

OFG.

Location: Dibden Park School, Southampton SO45 5TD

Salary: Up to £85,000 per annum (not pro rata)

Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only

Start: February 2026

As Headteacher, you will provide clear, inspiring and effective leadership to ensure the school delivers outstanding outcomes for children and young people. Working within the strategic framework of Acorn Education & Care, you will be responsible for the overall performance, development and success of the school, creating a culture where pupils thrive, staff feel motivated and excellence is the shared ambition.

• Deliver outstanding outcomes for children and young people that reflect their individual needs, abilities and aspirations
• Create and sustain a safe, supportive and nurturing environment for pupils and staff
• Ensure full compliance with statutory requirements and regulatory frameworks, achieving the highest possible inspection outcomes
• Lead, motivate and develop a highly skilled staff team committed to continuous improvement and professional growth
• Secure the commercial success of the school through strong occupancy, effective cost management and strategic growth planning
• Drive effective strategic and operational planning, including self‑evaluation and school improvement
• Establish and promote a clear, shared vision aligned with Acorn Education & Care that inspires pupils, staff and the wider school community

• Lead the assessment, planning and delivery of personalised educational and developmental programmes that enable children and young people to achieve their full potential
• Ensure pupils leave the school equipped for fulfilling lives and positive contributions to society
• Take overall responsibility for the success and performance of the school
• Line manage all staff, including volunteers and contractors, fostering high standards and accountability

• Ensure robust health and safety policies, procedures and systems are in place and consistently applied
• Work closely with Acorn Education & Care to implement best practice across the school
• Maintain rigorous systems for monitoring, recording and responding to incidents and concerns

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent
• Completion of the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH)
• Commitment to ongoing personal and professional development

Dibden Park School is a brand-new independent specialist school based in Southampton. We provide inclusive education within a safe and nurturing environment for students with complex needs, including social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) challenges, communication and interaction difficulties, and associated behaviours. Our focus is on meeting each pupil’s individual needs and helping them thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We are part of Acorn Education and can offer plenty of challenges along with a wide range of opportunities to develop your career.

Acorn Education is the UK’s leading provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in creating and delivering innovative approaches that achieve measurable outcomes for those 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.

We place the outcomes of the pupils…