Assistant Headteacher - Key Stage 4

HEATH FARM SCHOOL; Charing Heath; On-site; GBP 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist education provider in the United Kingdom is seeking a driven Assistant Headteacher for Key Stage 4. The role focuses on leading a vibrant learning community, ensuring that all students, especially those with complex needs, receive personalized support to thrive academically and socially. Responsibilities include managing operations, implementing effective teaching practices, and acting as the Designated Safeguarding Lead. This position offers a competitive salary of up to £50,000 per annum, reflecting the importance of fostering an enriching educational environment.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Mental health support

Health and wellbeing benefits

Discount options

Cycle to Work Scheme

Electric Car Purchase Scheme

Critical illness cover

Family Growth Support

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage daily operations of the KS4 Centre.
• Model high-quality teaching practice.
• Oversee personalized learning delivery.
• Monitor academic progress and wellbeing.
• Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Contribute to Key Stage 4 strategic development.

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. Our school will adopt the 4DWW once we have a full team in place - and with the rollout already underway across the wider Group, now is the perfect time to join #teamOFG.

Job Title: Assistant Headteacher - Key Stage 4

Location: Heath Farm College, Maidstone, ME16 0ER

Salary: Up to £50,000 per annum (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.

About the Role

Heath Farm College is looking for an exceptional Assistant Headteacher to lead Key Stage 4 and inspire our learners to achieve their full potential. This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic, forward-thinking educational leader who thrives on challenge and is passionate about making a difference for young people with diverse and complex needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the daily operation of the KS4 Centre, ensuring a safe, calm, and purposeful learning environment that upholds the College's high standards of provision, behaviour, welfare, and achievement.
• Model high-quality teaching practice, support staff development, and hold teachers and Learning Support Assistants accountable to ensure academic, social, and personal progress for all students.
• Oversee the delivery of personalised learning, ensuring that all students' needs are met in line with their Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), and coordinate multi‑agency engagement, reviews, and planning.
• Monitor academic progress, safeguarding, and wellbeing to secure effective learning outcomes and successful progression into post‑16 destinations.
• Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for Key Stage 4, maintaining accurate records and promoting a culture of safety and pastoral care across the Centre.
• Contribute to the strategic development of Key Stage 4 provision and the wider Senior Leadership Team initiatives, supporting the Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher in delivering whole‑College priorities.

Qualifications Required

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

About Us

Heath Farm College is an independent specialist sixth form college that caters for young people with social, emotional and mental health needs. We offer a unique and stimulating environment where every student is able to make outstanding progress in their personal development and enjoy success in their education. The college is situated in Maidstone and has the capacity to support up to 58 students, providing a professional post-16 provision for students with EHCPs who are not ready for a large FE college or large school/academy sixth form provision. 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.

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
• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• 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 will work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. The 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit.

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.

All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.