Headteacher (Maternity Cover)

Ofg Education; Heathfield; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 84,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life Assurance

Pension Scheme

Wellbeing Support

Vista Benefits Platform

Discount Programs

Cycle to Work

Critical Illness Cover

Family Growth Support

Job summary

The Greater Horseshoe School in Heathfield, Devon seeks a Headteacher on a maternity cover contract to lead the school's strategic direction and secure excellent outcomes for students aged 8–18 with complex needs. The role emphasises safeguarding, curriculum oversight, and staff development.

The post is a fixed-term appointment (Feb 2027–Mar 2028) with a competitive salary up to £84,000 per annum, Monday to Friday, term time only, and benefits through OFG Education.

Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status or Equivalent.
• Willingness to extend personal and professional development.
• Ability to lead and provide a clear vision.

Responsibilities

• Lead on the delivery of outcomes for students, the overall success of the school and line manage staff.
• Deliver outstanding student outcomes with a highly engaging curriculum.
• Ensure progress relative to start point and national guidance for qualifications.
• Provide high quality teaching that delivers effective learning.
• Implement strategies to improve behaviour and attendance.
• Oversee therapeutic programmes integral to the education programme.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Staff management

Education

Qualified Teacher Status or Equivalent

Job description

Headteacher (Maternity Cover)

2026-10-04T00:00:00

Heathfield

Devon

GB

TQ12 6

Any

2026-11-01T18:00:50.663

At Outcomes First Schools we give you time to enjoy those special moments and hobbies outside of work

Headteacher (Maternity Cover) - Up to £84,000.00 per annum, Monday to Friday, Term Time Only

Fixed Term - February 2027 until March 2028

The Greater Horseshoe School, Heathfield, Devon TQ12 6RH

We are an independent special school for students aged 8 to 18 years old. The school is situated in a peaceful woodland setting near Newton Abbot in Devon. Our school facilities are complemented by our nearby care farm, where we offer animal care, horticulture and a wide range of outdoor educational activities alongside academic and vocational programmes. We are committed to providing the best education for students with complex needs.

We offer a unique tailored programme for every student, combining a therapeutic approach, outdoor learning and individual academic and vocational programmes to suit each student. Everything that we do is based on thoroughly understanding the needs of our students and how we can best support them in achieving positive outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead on the delivery of outcomes for students, the overall success of the school and line manage staff
• Deliver outstanding student outcomes, including:
  • A highly engaging and relevant Curriculum that meets the needs of the students
  • An understanding of where the students are on a range of academic and non-academic criteria
  • Evidence of outstanding student progress, relative to their start point, measured against national guidance, which leads to achievement of appropriate and recognised qualifications
  • High quality teaching that delivers effective learning
  • Strategies that result in improved behaviour which in turn increases engagement in learning
  • Therapeutic programmes which are integral to the education programme
  • Strategies that improve attendance
  • Provision of positive experiences which promote the students' spiritual, social, moral and cultural development

Essential Requirements

• Qualified Teacher Status or Equivalent
• Willingness to extend personal and professional development
• Ability to lead and provide a clear vision

Why Join Us?

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 neurodivergent 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. We place students and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference.

We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• "Your Wellbeing Matters" - mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including: Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
• Hundreds of UK and international discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support, including 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. OFG Education 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, OFG Education 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. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.