Deputy Headteacher

Outcomes First Group; Padworth; On-site; GBP 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista)

Job summary

Riseley Green School in Reading, Berkshire, is seeking a Deputy Headteacher to provide strategic leadership across curriculum, assessment, pupil progress and operational management. You will deputise for the Headteacher and contribute to the school’s vision, ethos and long-term success.

You will inspire colleagues, build strong relationships with families and external professionals, and create a culture where pupils and staff thrive in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Degree and QTS qualification required.
• Has substantial senior leadership experience within an educational setting.
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of curriculum development, assessment and school improvement.
• Has experience supporting pupils with additional or complex needs.
• Can inspire and develop staff to deliver outstanding practice.
• Is highly organised, resilient and solution-focused.
• Has excellent communication, leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of an engaging, inclusive and needs-led curriculum.
• Champion high-quality teaching, learning and assessment across the school.
• Use evidence and data to drive improvement and pupil achievement.
• Inspire, coach and develop staff to achieve high professional standards.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability and high expectations.
• Oversee assessment, progress tracking and target-setting across the school.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Curriculum development

Staff development

Assessment & data use

Communication skills

Education

Degree and QTS qualification

Job description

Job Title: Deputy Headteacher

Location: Riseley Green School, Riseley, Reading, Berkshire RG7 1QF

Hours: 37.5 per week | Monday to Friday

Salary: Up to £60,000 per annum

Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only

Start: September 2026

UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

About the Role

As Deputy Headteacher, you will provide strategic leadership across curriculum development, assessment, teaching and learning, pupil progress, staff development and operational management. You will deputise for the Headteacher when required and contribute to the vision, ethos and long-term success of the school.

This role requires a passionate educational leader who can inspire colleagues, build strong relationships with families and external professionals, and create a culture where both pupils and staff thrive.

What You'll Be Doing

Leadership & School Improvement

• Support the Headteacher in leading the school’s vision, strategy and improvement priorities.


• Deputise for the Headteacher when required.


• Drive high standards, effective systems and continuous improvement.

Curriculum, Teaching & Learning

• Lead the development of an engaging, inclusive and needs-led curriculum.


• Champion high-quality teaching, learning and assessment across the school.


• Use evidence and data to drive improvement and pupil achievement.

Staff Leadership & Development

• Inspire, coach and develop staff to achieve high professional standards.


• Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability and high expectations.


• Support staff wellbeing, performance and professional development.

Pupil Progress & Inclusion

• Oversee assessment, progress tracking and target-setting across the school.


• Ensure individual learning, therapeutic and care needs are effectively supported.


• Work closely with the SENCo and multidisciplinary professionals to maximise outcomes.

Safeguarding & Wellbeing

• Promote a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment for all pupils.


• Support effective safeguarding, welfare and child protection arrangements.


• Work with families and external agencies to ensure pupils receive the right support.

Partnership & Community

• Build positive relationships with parents, carers, professionals and external partners.


• Promote the school’s values, achievements and wider community presence.


• Share best practice and develop strong partnerships to enhance outcomes.

What We’re Looking For

• Degree and QTS qualification required.


• Has substantial senior leadership experience within an educational setting


• Demonstrates a strong understanding of curriculum development, assessment and school improvement


• Has experience supporting pupils with additional or complex needs


• Can inspire and develop staff to deliver outstanding practice


• Is highly organised, resilient and solution-focused


• Has excellent communication, leadership and interpersonal skills


• Is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people

About Us

Riseley Green School is an independent specialist school near Reading, Berkshire, for autistic young people aged 4–16, with a capacity of 60 pupils.

We provide a nurturing, structured environment tailored to each child’s needs, fostering academic, social, and emotional growth. Small classes, high staff-to-pupil ratios, and personalised programmes ensure every pupil can thrive and reach their full potential. Our dedicated team works closely with families to support wellbeing, independence, and the development of essential life skills.

For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

Why Join Us?

We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

Life Assurance

Life Assurance

Pension Scheme

Pension scheme with options to increase contributions

“Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks

“Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks

Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:

• Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits


• Hundreds of UK and international discounts


• Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme


• Critical illness cover


• Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

Other Information

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

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.