Deputy Headteacher

JR United Kingdom; Lancaster; On-site; GBP 46,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading provider of specialist education is seeking a Deputy Headteacher for the new Acorn Education School opening in January 2026. This role emphasizes delivering high-quality education to vulnerable pupils, ensuring standards, and collaborating with a dedicated team. Join #teamOFG and contribute to a positive work-life balance with a four-day workweek approach while making a significant impact in the lives of young learners. Benefits include competitive salary, flexible benefits, and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme with flexible contributions

Access to mental health and physical health support

Health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits options

Discount options in the UK and abroad

Cycle to Work Schemes

Electric Car Purchase Scheme

Critical illness cover

Qualifications

• Degree and QTS required for the position.
• Experience managing staff and coordinating school curriculum is essential.
• Familiarity with safeguarding procedures and multidisciplinary collaboration is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality education aligned with standards.
• Manage curriculum and lead behavior support initiatives.
• Monitor student progress and coordinate with various teams.

Skills

Teaching pupils with SEMH and complex needs

Staff management

Budget management

Education

Degree

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Job description

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Join OFG and Enjoy a Smarter Work-Life Balance

At OFG, we work smarter so you can spend more time doing what makes you happy!

Interested in a role that offers a four-day workweek while earning a full five-day salary?

We prioritize our colleagues’ wellbeing by exploring innovative ways to improve work/life balance. Currently, we are trialing the 4-Day Working Week, which allows you to work one day less each week (or its equivalent).

If successful, this initiative will be expanded across the Group, making now an exciting time to join #teamOFG!

Position: Deputy Headteacher

Location: Acorn Education School - Bluebank School, Whittington Moor, Derbyshire (opening January 2026)

The school will serve 60 pupils aged 5-18 with complex needs, including SEMH, and will be co-educational.

About Acorn Education: We are the UK’s leading independent provider of specialist education for vulnerable pupils, part of Outcomes First Group, committed to innovative, outcome-focused education.

• Salary: Up to £55,000 per annum, dependent on experience (not pro-rata)
• Schedule: Monday to Friday
• Start Date: January 2026
• Term Time Only
• Type: Permanent

Role Overview

To deliver high-quality education aligned with company policies and standards, working closely with the Head Teacher and leadership team to uphold high standards throughout the school.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure safeguarding procedures are followed as per local guidelines
• Participate in referral assessments
• Coordinate and manage the curriculum across the school
• Lead positive behaviour support initiatives
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including education, residential care, and clinical staff
• Monitor student progress and outcomes
• Experience teaching pupils with SEMH and complex needs
• Staff management experience
• Effective budget management
• Degree and QTS required

Benefits

We offer an exceptional rewards package, including:

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with flexible contributions
• Access to mental health and physical health support

Through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, you can select benefits such as:

• Health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• Discount options in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover

Joining us means making a positive impact on vulnerable young lives every day.

We are committed to safeguarding and all applicants will undergo social media checks and a fully enhanced DBS.

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

Exciting times ahead with 4DWW rollout once staffing is complete – join us #teamOFG!