Associate Director - Project Manager

Outcomes First Group; Sevenoaks; On-site; GBP 95,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist education provider in Sevenoaks is seeking an exceptional Headteacher for a new specialist SEMH & Autism school. This role offers the chance to lead a talented team, build a culture of wellbeing, and ensure every pupil thrives. The ideal candidate will have significant experience within SEN education, a deep understanding of trauma-informed practices, and a commitment to inclusive education. The compensation package includes a competitive salary between £95,000 and £110,000, complemented by a range of benefits and a commitment to work-life balance.

Benefits

Life assurance

Pension scheme

Cycle-to-work scheme

Critical illness cover

Qualifications

• Experienced Headteacher or Deputy Head within SEN/SEMH settings.
• Deep understanding of trauma-informed practices.
• Skilled in budget, resource, and change management.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for a specialist SEMH/Autism school.
• Develop a nurturing and ambitious environment.
• Work closely with therapy colleagues for personalized pathways.

Skills

Leadership experience in SEN

Understanding of trauma-informed practice

Behaviour as communication skills

Knowledge of Ofsted frameworks

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS/QTLS)

Job description

Overview

Opening a brand‑new, specialist school for children and young people with SEMH, Autism and associated needs, we are looking for an exceptional Headteacher to bring it to life. This is a rare chance to: Shape a school from the ground up; embed therapeutic, trauma‑informed practice from day one; build a culture where wellbeing, safety and progress sit at the heart of everything; lead and inspire a talented multidisciplinary team; create a place where pupils who may have struggled elsewhere can belong, thrive and succeed. If you are driven by impact and excited by the idea of building something meaningful, this role offers true legacy.

What You’ll Do

Provide strategic leadership and clear vision for a specialist SEMH/Autism school. Develop a trauma‑informed, nurturing and ambitious environment. Lead operational delivery, safeguarding, quality and compliance from the outset. Recruit, inspire and develop a highly skilled staff team. Work closely with therapy colleagues to deliver personalised pupil‑centred pathways. Build strong relationships with parents, carers and local authorities.

About You

We’re looking for a leader who brings heart as much as expertise: experienced Headteacher or Deputy Head within SEN, SEMH, specialist or alternative provision. Deep understanding of trauma‑informed practice and behaviour as communication. Clear knowledge of Ofsted frameworks for specialist settings. Skilled in budget, resource and change management. Committed to inclusive education and aspirational outcomes for every pupil. Qualified teacher (QTS/QTLS) with significant SEN leadership experience.

Why Join Outcomes First Group

At Outcomes First Group, every day brings the chance to make a meaningful, lasting difference. In return for your expertise and commitment, we offer outstanding career development and access to a network of exceptional leaders across the sector. We are proud to be a certified Great Place to Work for the sixth year running, and we place the outcomes of pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do.

Benefits

Health and wellbeing are important to us. You’ll receive an exceptional reward package, including: life assurance, pension scheme with options to increase your contributions, wellbeing support, a wide range of mental and physical health services, market‑leading benefits platform, cycle‑to‑work scheme, electric car purchase scheme, critical illness cover, family growth support and many other discounts across the UK and abroad.

Job Details

Headteacher – New Specialist SEMH & Autism School. Greater London, commutable from a wide range of London boroughs and surrounding Home Counties.

Salary: £95,000 – £110,000 per annum (dependent on experience and qualifications, not pro‑rata).

Contract: Permanent, term‑time only.

Hours: Monday to Friday.

Start: January 2026.

UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

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

We offer a 4‑Day Working Week trial, giving you the opportunity to work one day less per week while receiving full‑time pay, aligning with our commitment to work‑life balance.