Headteacher

Outcomes First Group; Ripon; On-site; GBP 51,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Outcomes First Group is seeking a Headteacher to provide vision, leadership and energy to guide a growing specialist school for autistic children with complex needs.

You will set the strategic direction, champion high-quality teaching and a personalised provision, and create a calm, therapeutic environment where pupils can flourish. You will oversee safeguarding, QA, compliance and the school’s operations and finances.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a school for autism and complex needs.
• Ability to inspire others and lead with purpose.
• Experience implementing safeguarding, QA, and compliance.
• Proven ability to manage operations and school finances.
• Ability to build relationships with families, local authorities and professionals.

Responsibilities

• Set strategic direction and develop school culture.
• Lead a multidisciplinary team and champion high-quality teaching.
• Oversee safeguarding, quality assurance, compliance and financial management.
• Engage with families, authorities and external professionals to shape outcomes.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Educational leadership

Staff development

Safeguarding

Stakeholder engagement

Financial management

Education

NPQH qualification (advantageous)

Job description

As Headteacher, you'll provide the vision, leadership and energy needed to take the school into its next chapter.

You'll be responsible for setting the strategic direction of the school, developing a strong culture and ensuring that pupils receive exceptional education and support.

You'll lead a dedicated multidisciplinary team, champion high-quality teaching and personalised provision, and create a calm, nurturing and therapeutic environment where pupils can flourish.

You'll also oversee safeguarding, quality assurance, compliance, and the operational and financial management of the school, while building strong relationships with families, local authorities and external professionals.

Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8.30am to 4.30pm Salary: Up to £85,000 per annum, depending on experience (not pro rata) Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only Start: ASAP UK applicants only - no sponsorship available

This is your opportunity to help shape the future of a growing specialist school.

We are entering an exciting phase of growth and development and are looking for an ambitious, passionate school leader who wants to make a genuine impact. Someone who is excited by the opportunity to shape a school's culture, develop a team, influence its direction and create something exceptional for children with autism and complex needs.

This could be your next challenge.

Or perhaps it's the opportunity you've been waiting for to take your first step into Headship. Could this be your next move?

We recognise that great Headteachers develop through different routes. Whilst an NPQH qualification would be advantageous, what matters most is your ability to inspire others, lead with purpose, and demonstrate the experience and potential to thrive in Headship.

You will be supported by experienced colleagues across Outcomes First Schools, with access to coaching, development and a wider network of specialist educational expertise.

About the School

We are a specialist independent school supporting children aged 4 to 11 years with autism, often alongside complex learning, communication and sensory needs.

Our environment is thoughtfully designed to help every child feel safe, understood and empowered to thrive.

Our broad and balanced curriculum goes beyond academic achievement. We focus on communication, emotional regulation, sensory processing, social interaction, independence and essential life skills, ensuring every pupil has the opportunity to make meaningful progress.

At Outcomes First Schools, we provide specialist education for learners who need a deeper level of understanding, expertise and support than mainstream education can typically offer. We support students with a wide range of complex, co-occurring and neuro-divergent needs, including autism, ADHD, SEMH, speech and communication needs, dyslexia and experiences of trauma or adversity.

We are proud to be a part of OFG Education who in 2025 were officially certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the sixth year running.

Why this role is different

You get to build, not just maintain.

You'll have the opportunity to

• Shape the culture and establish the values, expectations and identity of a growing school.
• Make your mark and influence how the school develops.
• Develop people by recruiting, inspiring and building a high-performing multidisciplinary team.
• Lead change by driving school improvement and implementing innovative approaches to specialist education.
• Work collaboratively with experienced educational and specialist leaders across Outcomes First Schools.
• Grow your career, whether you're an experienced Headteacher or an ambitious Deputy ready for your first Headship.
• Make a real difference by creating an environment where children with autism and complex needs can thrive.