Head of School

New Barn School; Newbury; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading education provider in Newbury seeks an exceptional Head of School to provide visionary leadership, ensuring outstanding outcomes for pupils and driving excellence throughout the school's operations. The ideal candidate will have Qualified Teacher Status, extensive experience in SEN/SEMH settings, and a proven track record with complex autism. This role emphasizes the development of staff and a safe, nurturing environment for all students, aligning with the wider group strategy for educational excellence.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Mental health support

Flexible Benefits Platform

Cycle to Work Scheme

Enhanced maternity/paternity leave

Qualifications

• At least three years’ senior leadership experience within SEN/SEMH settings.
• Proven experience working with complex autism, including pre-verbal pupils.
• Extensive experience developing staff and leading performance management.

Responsibilities

• Ensure every child achieves their full potential through high-quality provision.
• Lead the performance and culture, embedding a shared vision.
• Oversee strategic planning and ensure strong financial management.

Skills

Visionary leadership

Experience with complex autism

Curriculum leadership

Staff development

Empathetic approach

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Background in primary education

Job description

This role does not offer sponsorship.

At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance — and we’re putting wellbeing first. That’s why we’re proud to be part of a4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, giving you 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay*.

Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW, and others will soon join in. So, whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG!

About the Role

We are seeking an exceptional Head of School to provide visionary leadership at New Barn School, ensuring outstanding outcomes for pupils and young people while driving excellence across every aspect of school life.

Operating within the Options Autism framework, you will lead the strategic and operational direction of the school, ensuring it meets its aims, remains fully compliant with regulatory requirements, and aligns with wider group strategy. This is a rare opportunity to shape a school culture where children thrive, staff feel inspired, and high standards are the norm.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure every child and young person achieves their full academic, personal and social potential through high-quality provision, targeted support and aspirational pathways beyond school
• Lead the overall performance, culture and direction of the school, embedding a shared vision aligned with Options Autism strategy
• Maintain a safeguarding-first culture that promotes wellbeing, positive behaviour and emotional security for pupils and staff
• Line manage, develop and inspire staff, fostering a motivated, skilled and engaged workforce
• Meet all statutory, DfE and Ofsted requirements, driving continuous improvement through self-evaluation and school improvement planning
• Oversee strategic and operational planning, ensuring strong financial management, sustainable growth and full occupancy

About You

We are looking for a visionary and empathetic leader with a strong track record in specialist education. You will have:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent
• At least three years’ senior leadership experience within SEN/SEMH settings
• Experience leading a special school or specialist provision
• Proven experience working with complex autism, including pre-verbal pupils
• A background in primary education
• A full UK driving licence
• Strong curriculum leadership and assessment expertise
• Extensive experience developing staff, leading performance management and building high-performing teams
• A collaborative, innovative approach and a passion for creating lasting positive change

About Us

New Barn School, part of Options Autism, provides inclusive, nurturing education for autistic children and young people with complex needs across three sites. We deliver personalised learning, therapeutic support, and vocational opportunities tailored to each pupil’s Education, Health and Care Plan. Pupils learn in small, supportive settings that promote confidence, independence, and emotional wellbeing. Built on strong partnerships with families, New Barn empowers every learner to thrive and prepare for life beyond school.

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
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• "Your Wellbeing Matters" – mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:Health, wellbeing and insurance benefitsHundreds of UK and international discountsCycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase SchemeCritical illness coverFamily Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

*Subject to successful probation. Not a contractual benefit.

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.