Head of School

Outcomes First Group; Bolton; On-site; GBP 59,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A forward-thinking educational organization in Bolton is seeking a qualified teacher to lead in a special school environment focused on SEN/SEMH. This role offers the innovation of a 4-Day Working Week while maintaining full-time pay. Responsibilities include fostering a nurturing atmosphere, overseeing an engaging curriculum, and empowering staff. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership experience, particularly in special education, and a commitment to achieving outstanding outcomes for students. Join a values-driven team and enjoy competitive benefits and professional growth opportunities.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme with options

Mental health support services

Cycle to Work Scheme

Electric Car Purchase Scheme

Qualifications

• Must have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent.
• At least 3 years of senior leadership experience in SEN/SEMH required.
• Experience in leading a special school or specialist provision is essential.

Responsibilities

• Champion a safe and nurturing environment for pupils and staff.
• Enable learners to achieve life-changing progress.
• Oversee an inclusive curriculum that meets educational standards.
• Embed therapeutic approaches and positive behaviour strategies.
• Inspire and manage a team to achieve their full potential.
• Build relationships with families and community partners.

Skills

Leadership skills

Curriculum development

Staff management

Knowledge of SEN/SEMH

Innovative practices

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

3+ years senior leadership experience

Job description

Job Overview

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 are 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. Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW – and others are preparing to roll it out as soon as they reach full staffing. So whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG.

Location: North West England – commutable across the region
Salary: Up to £70,000 per annum (dependent on experience; not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent, Term‑time only
Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday‑Friday
Start date: January 2026 / February 2026
UK applicants only – this role does not offer sponsorship

Key Responsibilities

• Transformational Leadership: Champion a safe, nurturing, and motivating environment for pupils and staff
• Outstanding Outcomes: Enable learners with complex needs to achieve life‑changing progress
• Curriculum Excellence: Oversee an engaging, inclusive curriculum that meets the highest educational standards
• Innovative Inclusion: Embed therapeutic approaches, positive behaviour strategies, and inclusive practices
• Staff Empowerment: Inspire, develop, and manage a passionate team to achieve their full potential
• Community & Partnerships: Build strong relationships with families, local authorities, and community partners

About You

• Qualified teacher (QTS or equivalent) with at least 3 years senior leadership experience in SEN/SEMH
• Experience in leading a special school or specialist provision
• Background in primary education
• Skilled in curriculum leadership, assessment, and delivering outstanding outcomes
• Strong experience in staff development, performance management, and team building
• Knowledge and experience supporting children and young people with complex or challenging behaviours, including Autism
• Innovative, collaborative, and passionate about creating lasting positive change

Why Join Outcomes First Group?

In return for your expertise and commitment, we offer outstanding career development and access to a network of exceptional leaders across our organisation. You will be joining passionate, values‑driven colleagues who share your belief in excellence – supported by a collaborative community that empowers you to lead with confidence, innovation, and impact. 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. We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, and you’ll start each day knowing your work is making a significant positive difference. We are committed to 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.

Benefits

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• Your Wellbeing Matters – access to a wide range of mental health support services and physical health checks

Vista Benefits Platform

• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance options
• Hundreds of discounts in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support – covering enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. 4DWW will be rolled out within our school when we have a full complement of staff – so there’s never been a more exciting time to join us.

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.