Head of School

Acorn Care and Education; St Helens; On-site; GBP 59,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative educational organization in North West England is seeking a Head of School to shape a new provision for children with SEMH and Autism. This role involves leading with purpose, ensuring compliance, and driving outstanding outcomes. With a commitment to transforming lives, the successful candidate will inspire a dedicated team and oversee a nurturing, inclusive curriculum. Ideal for compassionate leaders eager to make a significant impact, the position offers a competitive salary, a 4-Day Working Week, and substantial career development opportunities.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Mental health support services

Cycle to Work Scheme

Electric Car Purchase Scheme

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of senior leadership experience in SEN/SEMH.
• Experience in leading a special school or specialist provision.
• Strong experience in managing a passionate team.

Responsibilities

• Lead with purpose and heart, creating a nurturing environment.
• Ensure compliance with Ofsted and DfE standards.
• Drive excellence across all aspects of the school.

Skills

Transformational Leadership

Curriculum Leadership

Staff Development

Assessment

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent

Job description

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 we’re 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.

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

Are you a visionary, compassionate leader ready to transform lives?

Outcomes First Group is seeking an exceptional Head of School to lead a new specialist provision in North West England. This is a rare opportunity to shape a school from the ground up, creating an environment where children and young people with additional needs can thrive and achieve their full potential.

This role sits within one of our specialist brands supporting SEMH and Autism provision. We are particularly interested in leaders with experience supporting pupils with Autism or SEMH, though expertise across the broader spectrum of complex needs is highly valued.

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.

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

This is a unique opportunity to lead a new specialist provision within Outcomes First Group, 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.

If you are ready to lead, inspire, and transform, this is the role to step into.

Why Join Outcomes First Group?

At Outcomes First Group, every day brings the chance to make a meaningful, lasting difference. 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
• Our market‑leading benefits platform, Vista, allows you to tailor a package that suits your needs, including:
  • 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 #teamOFG! 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit.