Head of school

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

Job summary

A leading educational organization is seeking a Head of School to inspire a high-performing team and drive excellence in teaching for children with SEMH and Autism. With a focus on transformational leadership, you will ensure compliance with standards while delivering personalized education. Ideal candidates will have QTS and significant leadership experience, especially in special needs settings. The role offers close community engagement and a commitment to staff development, alongside competitive remuneration and innovative work arrangements.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Mental health support services

Cycle-to-Work Scheme

Critical illness cover

Enhanced maternity/paternity leave

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of senior leadership experience in special education.
• Experience in leading a special school or specialist provision.

Responsibilities

• Lead with purpose and heart, inspiring a high-performing team.
• Drive excellence across all aspects of school life.
• Champion a safe and nurturing environment for pupils and staff.

Skills

Qualified teacher (QTS or equivalent)

Leadership experience in SEN/SEMH

Experience with complex autism and pre-verbal backgrounds

Curriculum leadership

Staff development

Knowledge of challenging behaviours

Innovative and collaborative mindset

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Job description

Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance and we're proud to be part of a 4‑Day Working Week (4 DWW) 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 4 DWW, 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 is the perfect time to join #team OFG.

Head of School

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: January 2026 / February 2026

UK applicants only – this role does not offer sponsorship.

About the Role

As Head of School, you will lead with purpose and heart, creating a culture that balances outstanding outcomes, wellbeing, and innovation. Your strategic vision and hands‑on leadership will inspire a high‑performing team to deliver an inclusive, therapeutic, and personalised education.

You will drive excellence across all aspects of school life, ensuring compliance with Ofsted and DfE standards while delivering exceptional student progress.

Responsibilities

• Transformational Leadership: Champion a safe, nurturing, and motivating environment for pupils and staff.
• Enable learners with complex needs to achieve life‑changing progress.
• Curriculum Excellence: Oversee an engaging, inclusive curriculum that meets the highest educational standards, 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.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Must have experience with complex autism and pre‑verbal backgrounds.
• 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?

Outcomes First Group is a family of schools and provisions dedicated to transforming the lives of children and young people with SEMH and Autism. You will have the autonomy and support to make a lasting difference in a pioneering, values‑driven organisation.

We offer outstanding career development and access to a network of exceptional leaders across our organisation. We are proud to be named a Great Place to Work for the sixth year running and place the outcomes of our pupils at the heart of everything we do.

Benefits

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions.
• Access to a wide range of mental health support services and physical health checks.
• Market‑leading benefits platform, Vista, allowing you to tailor a package that suits your needs.
• Hundreds of discounts in the UK and abroad.
• Cycle‑to‑Work Scheme.
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme.
• Critical illness cover.
• Family Growth Support – enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support.

Additional Details

4 DWW will be rolled out within our school when we have a complete complement of staff – there’s never been a more exciting time to join us.

First Group is committed to a fair, thorough, and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, we do not accept liability for 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 statutory requirements.