Deputy Headteacher

Acorn Care and Education; England; On-site; GBP 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational organization is seeking an experienced Deputy Headteacher at Groveside School in Reading, England. This permanent position offers a salary up to £60,000 per annum, a 4-Day Working Week, and responsibilities including leading the curriculum and driving pupil outcomes. Applicants should have QTS and a strong background in educational leadership. Join a team committed to fostering a supportive and high-performing culture for both staff and students.

Benefits

Life Assurance & Pension scheme

Mental health support

Flexible Benefits Platform

Cycle to Work scheme

4-Day Working Week

£1,000 Welcome Bonus

Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher (QTS) with outstanding classroom experience.
• Resilient, approachable, and collaborative.
• Passionate about building strong relationships with pupils and staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the curriculum and personal development offer.
• Monitor and drive pupil outcomes ensuring high standards.
• Coach, inspire, and develop staff to deliver excellence.

Skills

Inspirational leadership

Excellent communication

Creative thinking

Collaboration

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Job description

Get Paid for Five Days… but Only Work Four!

Position: Deputy Headteacher
Location: Groveside School, Reading, Berkshire, RG2 7AY
Salary: Up to £60,000 per annum plus £1,000 Welcome Bonus**
Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: February 2026

UK applicants only — this role does not offer sponsorship.

At Outcomes First Group, we believe life is about more than work. That’s why many of our schools are trialling a 4‑Day Working Week (4DWW)—work one day less each week while keeping full pay. Now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG and put your wellbeing first.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced, inspiring Deputy Headteacher to join Groveside School and play a pivotal role in shaping an ambitious, inclusive, and high‑performing school culture. You will provide strategic leadership across curriculum, creativity, and personal development, supporting the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team in driving high standards of teaching, learning, behaviour, and staff development. You will lead initiatives to improve school performance, promote trauma‑informed and restorative practices, and foster a culture of collaboration, ambition, and inclusion.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the curriculum, teaching, and personal development offer.
• Monitor and drive pupil outcomes, ensuring high standards of teaching and learning.
• Coach, inspire, and develop staff to deliver excellence.
• Contribute to and implement the School Development Plan.
• Work collaboratively with families, multi‑disciplinary teams, and stakeholders.
• Support the Headteacher in strategic planning, budgeting, and operational management.

About You

• Inspirational school leader with a clear vision for curriculum and pupil outcomes.
• Qualified Teacher (QTS) with outstanding classroom experience.
• Resilient, approachable, and collaborative.
• Creative thinker with the ability to bring learning to life.
• Excellent communicator able to motivate and influence others.
• Passionate about building strong relationships with pupils and staff, with a sense of humour.

Key Dates

Shortlisting: 4th February 2026
Interviews: 12th February 2026

Why Join Us

• Work in a school passionate about achievement for all pupils.
• Teach fantastic pupils who enjoy a dynamic, engaging curriculum.
• Benefit from a strong induction programme tailored to your experience.
• Work collaboratively in a supportive environment where professional development is essential.
• Develop your career and make a lasting impact.
• Create exceptional pupil experiences and learning for all.
• Enjoy the flexibility of a 4‑Day Working Week, supporting your wellbeing and work‑life balance.

About Us

Groveside School is a brand‑new Special Educational Needs School for pupils aged 7‑16 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health Needs. Our school opened in September 2024 and will cater for 60 pupils.

Benefits

Your health and wellbeing are important to us. Our reward package includes:

• Life Assurance & Pension scheme.
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support, physical health checks.
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista) with a wide range of perks.
• Cycle to Work & Electric Car Purchase Schemes.
• Critical illness cover.
• Family Growth Support, including enhanced parental leave and fertility treatment support.
• 4‑Day Working Week: Work 80% of your hours, get 100% pay* (Subject to successful probation. Not a contractual benefit.)
• Welcome Bonus: £1,000 payable in two instalments after months 3 and 6 of probation. *Terms and conditions apply.

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