Assistant Headteacher

Acorn Care and Education; Newbury; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading specialist education provider seeks an Assistant Headteacher for New Barn School in Newbury. The role involves innovative curriculum leadership for students with SEMH needs, mentoring staff, and promoting community partnerships. Candidates should hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and have proven leadership experience. This position offers a competitive salary, a unique 4-Day Working Week, and various benefits to support staff wellbeing and development. Join a thriving educational community focused on impactful learning.

Benefits

Life Assurance & pension scheme

Mental & physical health support

Flexible Benefits Platform

Family Growth Support

4-Day Working Week with full pay

Qualifications

• Full UK Driving Licence required.
• Track record of improving outcomes and teaching quality is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead curriculum innovation tailored to pupils with SEMH challenges.
• Drive assessment and progress with data-informed strategies.
• Champion behaviour & pastoral care to create a safe, nurturing environment.
• Develop and inspire staff through coaching, mentoring, and professional growth.
• Strengthen community partnerships to expand opportunities for pupils.
• Provide strategic leadership across the school.

Skills

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent

Proven experience in senior or middle leadership

Outstanding classroom practitioner across multiple key stages

Exceptional communicator, organiser, and team motivator

Passion for inclusion, safeguarding, and pupil wellbeing

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Job description

Assistant Headteacher – New Barn School, Newbury

Salary: Up to £53,000 per annum depending on experience (not pro rata)

Location: New Barn School, Newbury, Berkshire, RG20 8HZ

Hours: 40 hours/week | Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 8:30–16:30 | Wed 8:30–17:00

Contract: Permanent | Term Time | Start: Jan 2026

UK Applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

Get paid for five days, work just four.

At Outcomes First Group, wellbeing comes first. Our 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial lets you work one day less per week while still receiving full pay. Many schools have already adopted it — and more are joining soon. Now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG.

About the Role

New Barn School is seeking a dynamic, compassionate Assistant Headteacher to join our thriving community. You’ll work closely with the Headteacher to:

• Lead curriculum innovation tailored to pupils with SEMH challenges
• Drive assessment and progress with data-informed strategies
• Champion behaviour & pastoral care to create a safe, nurturing environment
• Develop and inspire staff through coaching, mentoring, and professional growth
• Strengthen community partnerships to expand opportunities for pupils
• Provide strategic leadership across the school

This is a chance to make a real, lasting difference in the lives of children and young people.

Who We’re Looking For

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent
• Full UK Driving Licence
• Proven experience in senior or middle leadership
• Track record of improving outcomes and teaching quality
• Outstanding classroom practitioner across multiple key stages
• Exceptional communicator, organiser, and team motivator
• Passion for inclusion, safeguarding, and pupil wellbeing

About Us

New Barn School serves boys and girls aged 6–19 with SEMH needs, using a broad curriculum enriched by outdoor learning, forest school, farm experiences, and horse riding. Commutable from Swindon, Oxford, Andover, Basingstoke, and Reading.

We are part of Acorn Education and Outcomes First Group, leaders in specialist education.

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.

Benefits

• Life Assurance & pension scheme
• Mental & physical health support through Your Wellbeing Matters
• Flexible Benefits Platform – discounts, insurance, Cycle to Work, Electric Car scheme, critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support – enhanced maternity/paternity leave & fertility treatment
• Work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit.