Headteacher

Outcomes First Group; Bolton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational organization is seeking a Headteacher for a new specialist SEMH & Autism school in the UK. This role involves strategic leadership, developing a nurturing environment, and building a talented team. The ideal candidate will have significant experience as a Headteacher or Deputy Head in SEN settings, along with a deep understanding of trauma-informed practice. The position offers a competitive salary up to £80,000 and exceptional benefits, aiming to create a positive impact on pupils' lives.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Mental health support services

Cycle to Work Scheme

Critical illness cover

Enhanced maternity/paternity leave support

Qualifications

• Experience as Headteacher or Deputy Head in SEN/SEMH settings.
• Deep understanding of trauma-informed practice and behaviour.
• Clear knowledge of Ofsted frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for a specialist SEMH/Autism school.
• Develop a nurturing and ambitious educational environment.
• Lead operational delivery, safeguarding, and compliance.

Skills

Leadership in SEN settings

Understanding trauma-informed practice

Budget and resource management

Commitment to inclusive education

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS/QTLS)

Job description

Headteacher – New Specialist SEMH & Autism School South West England.

Location: Easily commutable from Bristol, North Somerset, Bath, Cheltenham or Gloucester.

Salary & Contract

• Salary: Up to £80,000 per annum (dependent on experience, not pro rata)
• Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
• Hours: Monday‑Friday
• Start: January 2026
• UK Applicants Only – this role does not offer sponsorship

About Outcomes First Group

We are proud to be part of the 4‑Day Working Week (4DWW) trial – giving you the opportunity to work one day less each week while receiving full‑time pay.

The Opportunity

• Shape a school from the ground up
• Embed therapeutic, trauma‑informed practice from day one
• Build a culture where wellbeing, safety and progress sit at the heart of everything
• Lead and inspire a talented multidisciplinary team
• Create a place where pupils who may have struggled elsewhere can belong, thrive and succeed

What You’ll Do

• Provide strategic leadership and clear vision for a specialist SEMH/Autism school
• Develop a trauma‑informed, nurturing and ambitious environment
• Lead operational delivery, safeguarding, quality and compliance from the outset
• Recruit, inspire and develop a highly skilled staff team
• Work closely with therapy colleagues to deliver personalised, pupil‑centred pathways
• Build strong relationships with parents, carers and local authorities

About You / Qualifications

• Experienced Headteacher or Deputy Head within SEN, SEMH, specialist or alternative provision
• Deep understanding of trauma‑informed practice and behaviour as communication
• Clear knowledge of Ofsted frameworks for specialist settings
• Skilled in budget, resource and change management
• Committed to inclusive education and aspirational outcomes for every pupil
• Qualified teacher (QTS/QTLS) with significant SEN leadership experience

Benefits

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll receive an exceptional reward package, including:

• 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
• 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

Safeguarding & Recruitment

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 check.

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and statutory requirements, which may affect timescales. 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.

Why Join Outcomes First Group?

We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do. In 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

Important Information

• We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
• 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit.