Headteacher

Headteacher – Specialist SEMH & Autism School
North West - England

Salary: Up to £85,000 per annum (dependent on experience, not pro rata)

Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only

Hours: Monday–Friday

Start: February 2026

UK Applicants Only — this role does not offer sponsorship

Outcomes First Group is committed to delivering great leadership by providing time, space and wellbeing to do the best work. We are part of the 4-Day Working Week (4

DWW) trial — offering the opportunity to work one day less each week (or equivalent hours) while receiving full-time pay. Many of our schools already operate the 4

DWW; others will adopt it as staffing grows. Whichever setting you join, you will be part of a culture that values balance as much as impact.

There has never been a better time to join #teamOFG
.

This is not just a Headship. It’s a once-in-a-career opportunity to create something truly special. We are seeking an exceptional and visionary Headteacher to bring a specialist school to life—supporting children and young people with SEMH, Autism and associated needs. From the very first day, you will shape the culture, values and direction of a school designed around understanding, compassion and ambition.

This is your chance to build a setting where pupils who may have struggled elsewhere finally feel safe, understood and empowered to succeed.

As Headteacher, you will have the rare opportunity to:

• Design and develop a specialist school from the ground up
• Embed therapeutic, trauma-informed practice at the heart of learning
• Create a culture where wellbeing, safety and progress go hand in hand
• Lead, inspire and grow a high-calibre multidisciplinary team
• Build a school where pupils belong, thrive and achieve their potential
• Make a lasting impact that will be felt for generations

If you’re driven by purpose and excited by the idea of building something meaningful, this role offers true professional legacy.

• Provide strategic leadership and a clear, inspiring vision for a specialist SEMH and Autism setting
• Create a nurturing, ambitious and trauma-informed environment where behaviour is understood as communication
• Lead on safeguarding, quality, compliance and operational excellence from day one
• Recruit, develop and inspire a passionate, skilled staff team
• Work in close partnership with therapists and specialists to deliver highly personalised pathways
• Build trusted relationships with parents, carers and local authorities

We’re seeking a leader who brings heart, resilience and expertise in equal measure:

• An experienced Headteacher or Deputy Headteacher within SEN, SEMH, specialist or alternative provision
• A deep understanding of trauma-informed practice and inclusive education
• Strong knowledge of Ofsted frameworks for specialist settings
• Proven ability in budget management, resource planning and leading change
• A passionate advocate for high expectations and aspirational outcomes for every pupil
• Qualified teacher (QTS/QTLS) with significant SEN leadership experience

If you’re inspired by the opportunity to change lives, shape futures and build a school where every child matters, we would love to hear from you.

Outcomes First Group offers outstanding career development and a network of exceptional leaders across our organisation. You will join passionate, values-driven colleagues who share a belief in excellence, supported by a collaborative community that empowers you to lead with confidence, innovation and impact. In 2025, Outcomes First Group was officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

We place the outcomes of pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do. All applicants will be subject to social media checks, and successful applicants will be subject to a fully enhanced DBS. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people.

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…