We're Hiring: Headteacher - Full Time, Permanent

FirstGroup plc; Harrogate; On-site; GBP 77,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life Assurance

Pension Scheme

Wellbeing Support

Flexible Benefits

Cycle to Work Scheme

Electric Car Purchase

Critical Illness Cover

Enhanced Maternity Leave

Job summary

Outcomes First Group is hiring a Headteacher in Harrogate to lead a specialist school for children with autism and complex needs. The role is full-time and permanent, with a salary up to £85,000 depending on experience.

The Headteacher will develop a high-performing team, drive school improvements, and create a nurturing environment. Applicants must have QTS and a passion for specialist education. Benefits include life assurance, pension schemes, and mental health support.

Qualifications

• A qualified teacher with QTS and a recognised teaching qualification.
• Passionate about specialist education for children with autism.
• Confident in leading school improvement efforts.
• Strong communicator who can build trusted relationships.
• Committed to safeguarding children and young people.

Responsibilities

• Develop and inspire a high-performing multidisciplinary team.
• Drive school improvement and implement innovative education approaches.
• Create a nurturing environment for children with complex needs.
• Set strategic direction and culture for the school.
• Oversee operational and financial management of the school.
• Build relationships with families and local authorities.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

School Improvement

Specialist Education

Relationship Building

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

PGCE or Equivalent

Job description

We're Hiring: Headteacher - Full Time, Permanent

2026-09-21T00:00:00

Harrogate

North Yorkshire

GB

HG1 2

Any

2026-12-21T03:04:17.013

Job Details

• 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

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.

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 the vision, leadership and energy needed 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, and operational and financial management of the school.
• Build strong relationships with families, local authorities and external professionals.
• Help build on the school's foundations and create the environment children with autism deserve.

Qualifications & Experience

• 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.