Headteacher

Outcomes First Group; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist education provider in South West England is seeking an experienced Headteacher for a new SEMH and Autism school. The role involves providing strategic leadership, developing trauma-informed practices, and creating an inclusive environment. Candidates must have significant SEN leadership experience and be committed to achieving aspirational outcomes for pupils. This position offers a generous salary of up to £80,000 per annum, alongside substantial career development opportunities, in a supportive and values-driven environment.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Mental health support services

Critical illness cover

Cycle to Work Scheme

Qualifications

• Experienced Headteacher or Deputy Head within SEN, SEMH or alternative provision.
• Deep understanding of trauma-informed practice and behaviour as communication.
• Clear knowledge of Ofsted frameworks for specialist settings.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Leadership

Trauma-informed practice

Budget management

Inclusive education

Education

Qualified teacher status (QTS/QTLS)

Job description

Headteacher – New Specialist SEMH & Autism School
South West England — easily commutable from Bristol, North Somerset, Bath, Cheltenham or Gloucester

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

4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial — working one day less each week (or equivalent hours) while receiving full-time pay

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.

This is a rare chance to:

• 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

• 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 have been officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for six consecutive years.

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

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.

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