Hiring: Head of School - Full-time

FirstGroup plc; Ripon; On-site; GBP 51,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Wellbeing Matters programme

Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista)

Discounts (UK & international)

Cycle to Work Scheme

Electric Car Purchase Scheme

Critical illness cover

Family Growth Support

Job summary

Outcomes First Group is seeking a Head of School for a specialist independent school in Ripon, UK. The role focuses on shaping culture, developing a high-performing team and delivering exceptional education for children with autism and complex needs.

As Headteacher or Deputy aiming for Headship, you’ll receive support across Outcomes First Group and access to specialist expertise and coaching. The post emphasises safeguarding, strategic leadership and strong stakeholder relationships.

Qualifications

• Qualified teacher with QTS and a recognised teaching qualification such as PGCE or equivalent.
• Strong passion for specialist education and improving outcomes for children with autism and complex needs.
• Ability to lead school improvement and maintain high teaching standards.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building with pupils, families, colleagues and professionals.
• Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Grow your career regardless of current level, aiming for Headship or Deputy Headship.
• Create an environment where children with autism and complex needs can thrive.
• Provide vision, leadership and energy to take the school into its next chapter.
• Set the strategic direction of the school and develop a strong culture.
• Lead a multidisciplinary team, champion high-quality teaching and personalised provision.
• Create a calm, nurturing and therapeutic environment where pupils can flourish.
• Oversee safeguarding, quality assurance, compliance, and financial management.
• Build strong relationships with families, local authorities and external professionals.

Skills

QTS

PGCE or equivalent

Leadership

Communication

Education

QTS or equivalent

Job description

Hiring: Head of School - Full-time

Date Posted: 2026-09-21T00:00:00

Location: Ripon, North Yorkshire, GB, HG4 1

Application Deadline: 2026-12-21T03:05:17.81

Working Hours and Compensation

• 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 Date: ASAP

Job Overview

This is your opportunity to help shape the future of a growing specialist school. 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. Whether you're an experienced Headteacher looking for a fresh challenge or an established Deputy Headteacher ready to take the next step, we'd love to hear from you.

You will be supported by experienced colleagues across Outcomes First Group, 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.

As a growing school, the foundations are in place. For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, you'll also have access to a wider network of specialist expertise and experienced educational leaders.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• Provide vision, leadership and energy to take the school into its next chapter.
• Set the strategic direction of the school, develop a strong culture and ensure pupils receive exceptional education and support.
• Lead a dedicated multidisciplinary team, champion high-quality teaching and personalised provision.
• Create a calm, nurturing and therapeutic environment where pupils can flourish.
• Oversee safeguarding, quality assurance, compliance, operational and financial management.
• Build strong relationships with families, local authorities and external professionals.

Candidate Requirements

• A qualified teacher with QTS and a recognised teaching qualification such as PGCE or equivalent.
• Passionate about specialist education, inclusion and improving outcomes for children with autism and complex needs.
• Confident in leading school improvement and delivering high standards of teaching and learning.
• A strong communicator who can build trusted relationships with pupils, families, colleagues and professionals.
• Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Benefits

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• Your Wellbeing Matters programme, including 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 and paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

Safeguarding

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 will be required to undertake a fully enhanced DBS check. Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

#s1-Gen
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 This is your opportunity to help shape the future of a growing specialist school. 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. Whether you're an experienced Headteacher looking for a fresh challenge or an established Deputy Headteacher ready to take the next step, we'd love to hear from you. You will be supported by experienced colleagues across Outcomes First Group, with access to coaching, development and a wider network of specialist educational expertise. 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. As a growing school, the foundations are in place. For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, you'll also have access to a wider network of specialist expertise and experienced educational leaders. 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. 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. 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. You'll be helping to build on strong foundations and create the school you believe children with autism deserve. A qualified teacher with QTS and a recognised teaching qualification
such as PGCE or equivalent. Passionate about specialist education, inclusion and improving outcomes for children with autism and complex needs. Confident in leading school improvement and delivering high standards of teaching and learning. A strong communicator who can build trusted relationships with pupils, families, colleagues and professionals. Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. Life Assurance Pension scheme with options to increase contributions Your Wellbeing Matters programme, including 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 and paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support 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 will be required to undertake a fully enhanced DBS check. Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.