Assistant Head - Behaviour and Inclusion

Acorn Care and Education; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational organization is seeking an Assistant Headteacher – Behaviour and Inclusion at Willow Park School. This role involves leading behaviour management strategies, improving student conduct and well-being, and ensuring safeguarding protocols are met. With a focus on collaboration and leadership, the successful candidate will support staff and contribute to a positive learning environment. Offering a competitive salary and a chance to work under a 4-Day Working Week model, this position is perfect for experienced educators committed to fostering student development.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Mental health support services

Flexible Benefits Platform

Cycle to Work Schemes

Electric Car Purchase Scheme

Qualifications

• Proven ability to implement behaviour management systems.
• Strong track record in driving school initiatives.
• Experience in supporting student well-being.

Responsibilities

• Lead on behaviour management and foster positive school environment.
• Collaborate with teams to improve attendance and well-being.
• Act as Designated Deputy Safeguarding Lead.

Skills

Behaviour management

Leadership

Communication

Education

NPQ Senior Leader Course

5+ years teaching experience

Job description

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 (4DWW) 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 4DWW — 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 #teamOFG.

Job Title: Assistant Headteacher – Behaviour and Inclusion

Location: Willow Park School, Milton Keynes, MK14 6LJ

Salary: Up to £50,000 per annum dependent on experience (not pro rata)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday

Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only

Start: January 2026

UK Applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

As part of our continued growth, we now have a fantastic opportunity for an Assistant Headteacher to join our close-knit team at Willow Park School, part of Acorn Education.

About the Role

As an Assistant Headteacher – Behaviour and Attitudes, you will play a pivotal role in driving high standards of student conduct and well‑being. Your leadership will be instrumental in creating an environment where students feel safe, engaged, and ready to learn. Working closely with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), you will lead the development of effective behaviour management strategies and support staff in fostering positive relationships with students.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead on Behaviour Management: Develop and implement effective behaviour management systems that promote positive student behaviour, engagement, and a respectful school environment.
• Oversee Attendance and Well‑being: Collaborate with the Family Support Team to monitor and improve attendance, ensuring timely interventions for students at risk of disengagement.
• Line Management Responsibilities: Directly work with the Safeguarding and Well‑being lead in supporting Welfare, Family Support, and SENCO Teams, ensuring they provide high‑quality support aligned with students’ pastoral and educational needs; direct line manage the Pastoral Lead in supporting student transition, regular CPI training for staff.
• Safeguarding Leadership: Act as a Designated Deputy Safeguarding Lead (DDSL), ensuring all safeguarding protocols are adhered to across the school.
• Collaboration with Clinical Team: Serve as the key point of contact for the Clinical Team, ensuring students with complex needs receive appropriate interventions and support.

Who we are looking for

Attributes / Qualifications

• Evidence of continuing professional development relating to school leadership and management, including strengthening Behaviour and Attitudes.
• Ability to identify own learning needs and to support others in identifying their learning needs.
• Achieved or ambition to work towards an NPQ Senior Leader Course.
• At least 5 years successful teaching experience.
• Experience of driving whole school initiatives with proven successful outcomes.

Essential

• Full UK valid driving licence.

Supporting Statement Guidance: Please tell us a little about yourself and why you are interested in this position. Referring to the job description, explain why you believe you are suitable for the role. Be sure to include details of your relevant skills and experience and describe how you would contribute to the role and the school if appointed.

You’ll be part of a warm, collaborative team that truly values the impact of great teaching. At Willow Park, we champion professional growth, work‑life balance, and a culture of mutual respect — ensuring both staff and pupils thrive. Join us and help shape brighter futures, one lesson at a time.

Why join Acorn Education?

We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.

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.

Benefits

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first‑class mental health support services and physical health checks
• A market‑leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:
• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support – inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

*You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit.