Headteacher

Regional Role; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist educational organization is seeking an exceptional Headteacher to lead a new school for children with SEMH and Autism needs in Greater London. You will shape a nurturing environment, recruit a talented team, and ensure compliance while focusing on meaningful impact for pupils. Ideal candidates will have significant leadership experience in similar settings, expertise in trauma-informed practices, and a commitment to inclusive education. This role offers competitive benefits and a chance to make a significant difference in students' lives.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Mental health support services

Critical illness cover

Family growth support

Qualifications

• Experience as Headteacher or Deputy Head within SEN/SEMH settings.
• Deep understanding of trauma-informed practices.
• Clear knowledge of Ofsted frameworks.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Leadership

Trauma-informed practice

Communication skills

Budget management

Inclusive education commitment

Education

Qualified teacher status (QTS/QTLS)

Job description

Many of our schools already operate the 4DWW; others will adopt it as staffing grows. Whichever setting you join, you’ll be part of a culture that values balance just as much as impact.

There has never been a better time to join #teamOFG.

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

If you are driven by impact and excited by the idea of building something meaningful, this role offers true legacy.

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

We’re looking for a leader who brings heart as much as expertise:

• 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 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.

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

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.

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.