Headteacher

Acorn Care and Education; Greater London; On-site; GBP 95,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist education provider in Greater London seeks an exceptional Headteacher to lead a new SEMH and Autism school. This permanent, term-time role involves shaping a newly established environment focused on pupils' wellbeing and success. The ideal candidate will have significant leadership experience in special education, a commitment to inclusive practices, and expertise in budget management. Benefits include a competitive salary and extensive career development opportunities.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Mental health support services

Discounts on health and wellbeing services

Qualifications

• Experience as a Headteacher or Deputy Head within SEN/SEMH settings.
• Understanding of trauma-informed practice.
• Knowledge of Ofsted frameworks for specialist education.
• Skilled in budget and resource management.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and vision for the school.
• Develop a trauma-informed and nurturing environment.
• Lead operational delivery and compliance.
• Recruit and develop a skilled staff team.
• Foster relationships with parents and local authorities.

Skills

Leadership in special education

Trauma-informed practice

Ofsted framework knowledge

Budget and resource management

Inclusive education commitment

QTS/QTLS qualified

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS/QTLS)

Job description

Headteacher – New Specialist SEMH & Autism School

Greater London – commutable from a wide range of London boroughs and surrounding Home Counties.

Salary: £95,000 - £110,000 per annum (dependent on experience and qualifications, not pro rata).

Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only.

Hours: Monday–Friday. Start: January 2026.

UK Applicants Only – this role does not offer sponsorship.

The Opportunity

We are opening a brand-new, specialist school for children and young people with SEMH, Autism and associated needs – and we are looking for an exceptional Headteacher to bring it to life.

• 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

• 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.

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.