Assistant Headteacher

Oxford Outcomes; Swindon; On-site; GBP 53,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Swindon is seeking an experienced Assistant Headteacher to lead curriculum innovation and support pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health challenges. You will oversee behaviour management, monitor pupil progress, and strengthen community partnerships. The ideal candidate holds QTS and has proven leadership experience in education. This role offers a comprehensive benefits package and a unique 4-Day Working Week trial, while salaried up to £53,000 annually.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Mental health support services

Qualifications

• Experience in senior or middle leadership roles within education.
• Proven track record of raising pupil outcomes.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead curriculum innovation for pupils with SEMH challenges.
• Implement assessment strategies for pupil progress.
• Champion behaviour management and pastoral care.
• Develop staff performance and professional growth.
• Strengthen community partnerships and relations.
• Contribute to strategic leadership at school level.
• Ensure safeguarding and compliance in all practices.

Skills

Leadership in education

Curriculum design

Data analysis for pupil progress

Behaviour management

Team development

Communication skills

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

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.

Job Title: Assistant Headteacher

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

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

Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8.30am-4.30pm | Wednesday 8.30am-5pm

Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only

Start: January 2026

UK Applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

New Barn School, part of Acorn Education, is seeking a dynamic, compassionate Assistant Headteacher to join our close-knit, thriving community. This is your chance to shape the future of a school dedicated to nurturing the academic, social, and emotional success of every pupil—especially those with SEMH challenges.

About the Role

• Lead Curriculum Innovation: Design, develop, and continuously improve a high-quality, engaging curriculum that meets the diverse needs of pupils with SEMH challenges, ensuring alignment with national standards and best practices. You will oversee curriculum delivery, promote consistency, and ensure learning progression across all key stages.
• Drive Assessment & Progress Monitoring: Implement robust assessment strategies that provide meaningful insight into pupil progress. Use data to identify gaps, celebrate achievements, and support staff in tailoring teaching to maximize learner outcomes. You will hold teams accountable for pupil achievement and help set ambitious, realistic targets.
• Champion Behaviour & Pastoral Care: Lead on behaviour management policies that foster a positive, respectful, and safe learning environment. Support the pastoral team to ensure pupils’ emotional wellbeing and social development are prioritised, working closely with families and external agencies to create personalised support plans.
• Develop & Inspire Staff: Take a proactive role in staff performance management, professional development, and coaching. Cultivate a culture of continuous learning, collaboration, and innovation among teaching and support staff, enabling them to reach their full potential and deliver outstanding education.
• Strengthen Community Partnerships: Build and nurture strong relationships with pupils, families, external agencies, and local partners. Act as an ambassador for the school, enhancing its reputation as a centre of excellence for SEMH education and expanding opportunities for pupils beyond the classroom.
• Strategic Leadership: Contribute to whole‑school planning and decision‑making at senior leadership level. Support the Headteacher in articulating the school’s vision, setting strategic priorities, and driving improvement initiatives that ensure sustainable growth and excellence.
• Safeguarding & Compliance: Take a leadership role in safeguarding practices, health and safety, and statutory compliance, ensuring all policies are rigorously implemented to protect and promote pupil welfare.

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent
• Full UK Driving Licence
• Proven experience in senior or middle leadership roles within education
• A successful track record of raising pupil outcomes and enhancing teaching quality
• Outstanding classroom practitioner across multiple key stages
• Exceptional communication, organisational, and interpersonal skills
• Deep commitment to inclusion, safeguarding, and pupil wellbeing
• An inspirational leader who motivates and empowers teams to excel

About Us

New Barn School offers a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum to boys and girls, aged 6–19 years who have Social, Emotional and Mental Health complexities.

Acorn Education is the UK’s leading independent provider of specialist education. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care.

Benefits

• 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

And 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