97 Headteacher jobs in the United Kingdom

Lead with Purpose, Inspire with Vision – Join New Barn School as Headteacher

Job Title:  Headteacher
Location:  New Barn School, Newbury, RG20 8HZ
Salary:      Up to £110,000.00 per annum (dependent on experience, not pro rata )
Contract:  Permanent, Term Time Only
Hours:      Monday – Friday
UK applicants only – This role does not offer sponsorship.

At Outcomes First Group (OFG), we believe in working smarter so you can focus on what truly matters: empowering lives and transforming futures.

As part of our continued growth, we are seeking a passionate and visionary Headteacher to lead New Barn School, a nurturing, innovative SEMH school supporting pupils aged 6–19 with complex social, emotional, and mental health needs, as well as other additional learning and communication difficulties.

About the Role

This is more than a leadership role – it’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact. 

As Headteacher, you will champion a culture of individualised, therapeutic, and holistic learning, leading a dedicated team to create an inclusive environment where every pupil can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

You will drive the school’s strategic vision, fostering resilience, creativity, and confidence in pupils, while maintaining outstanding educational and therapeutic provision. You will work closely with the senior leadership team and Regional Director to ensure high standards are consistently achieved and maintained.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading the school with a focus on improving academic performance, overcoming behavioural challenges, and raising aspirations
• Exercising dynamic leadership to develop and promote the school’s vision, ensuring continuous improvement
• Driving the shared strategic plan, motivating pupils, staff, and the wider school community
• Managing budgets effectively, ensuring cost efficiency and financial compliance
• Collaborating across teams to provide inclusive and therapeutic education

About You

You are a compassionate, dynamic leader with a strong moral purpose and a drive for transformational outcomes. You will:

• Have experience as a Headteacher or Deputy Headteacher in a specialist SEMH school
• Be skilled in Ofsted inspections and school improvement planning
• Inspire and lead high-performing teams
• Understand the importance of therapeutic education and inclusive practice
• Be adept at budget management and operational excellence
• Hold a relevant teaching qualification (QTS or equivalent)

About New Barn School

New Barn School is a growing school and caters for SEMH pupils aged 6-19. With almost 100 pupils across three sites, we are searching for someone to help us make a difference. We have a shared vision where we aim to build incredible futures by empowering neurodiverse pupils to be happy and make their way in the world.

Our growing school delivers a structured programme of education, tailored to each student’s individual needs and considering their Education, Health and Care plans. Students are taught in small cohorts and individually, by fully qualified teachers and instructors.

We provide inclusive education within a safe, nurturing environment where pupil’s needs are met.

We are part of Acorn Education and can promise you plenty of challenges, and a rich variety of opportunities to develop your career. Acorn Education is the UK’s leading independent provider of specialist education for vulnerable pupils and young people. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.

Why join Acorn Education?

We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.

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 get an exceptional reward package including:

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks

And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:

• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support. 

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

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, Outcomes First Group 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.

#1

Lead with Purpose, Inspire with Vision – Join New Barn School as Headteacher

Job Title:  Headteacher
Location:  New Barn School, Newbury, RG20 8HZ
Salary:      Up to £110,000.00 per annum (dependent on experience, not pro rata )
Contract:  Permanent, Term Time Only
Hours:      Monday – Friday
UK applicants only – This role does not offer sponsorship.

At Outcomes First Group (OFG), we believe in working smarter so you can focus on what truly matters: empowering lives and transforming futures.

As part of our continued growth, we are seeking a passionate and visionary Headteacher to lead New Barn School, a nurturing, innovative SEMH school supporting pupils aged 6–19 with complex social, emotional, and mental health needs, as well as other additional learning and communication difficulties.

About the Role

This is more than a leadership role – it’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact. 

As Headteacher, you will champion a culture of individualised, therapeutic, and holistic learning, leading a dedicated team to create an inclusive environment where every pupil can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

You will drive the school’s strategic vision, fostering resilience, creativity, and confidence in pupils, while maintaining outstanding educational and therapeutic provision. You will work closely with the senior leadership team and Regional Director to ensure high standards are consistently achieved and maintained.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading the school with a focus on improving academic performance, overcoming behavioural challenges, and raising aspirations
• Exercising dynamic leadership to develop and promote the school’s vision, ensuring continuous improvement
• Driving the shared strategic plan, motivating pupils, staff, and the wider school community
• Managing budgets effectively, ensuring cost efficiency and financial compliance
• Collaborating across teams to provide inclusive and therapeutic education

About You

You are a compassionate, dynamic leader with a strong moral purpose and a drive for transformational outcomes. You will:

• Have experience as a Headteacher or Deputy Headteacher in a specialist SEMH school
• Be skilled in Ofsted inspections and school improvement planning
• Inspire and lead high-performing teams
• Understand the importance of therapeutic education and inclusive practice
• Be adept at budget management and operational excellence
• Hold a relevant teaching qualification (QTS or equivalent)

About New Barn School

New Barn School is a growing school and caters for SEMH pupils aged 6-19. With almost 100 pupils across three sites, we are searching for someone to help us make a difference. We have a shared vision where we aim to build incredible futures by empowering neurodiverse pupils to be happy and make their way in the world.

Our growing school delivers a structured programme of education, tailored to each student’s individual needs and considering their Education, Health and Care plans. Students are taught in small cohorts and individually, by fully qualified teachers and instructors.

We provide inclusive education within a safe, nurturing environment where pupil’s needs are met.

We are part of Acorn Education and can promise you plenty of challenges, and a rich variety of opportunities to develop your career. Acorn Education is the UK’s leading independent provider of specialist education for vulnerable pupils and young people. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.

Why join Acorn Education?

We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.

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 get an exceptional reward package including:

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks

And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:

• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support. 

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

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, Outcomes First Group 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.

#1

Lead with Purpose, Inspire with Vision – Join New Barn School as Headteacher

Job Title:  Headteacher
Location:  New Barn School, Newbury, RG20 8HZ
Salary:      Up to £110,000.00 per annum (dependent on experience, not pro rata )
Contract:  Permanent, Term Time Only
Hours:      Monday – Friday
UK applicants only – This role does not offer sponsorship.

At Outcomes First Group (OFG), we believe in working smarter so you can focus on what truly matters: empowering lives and transforming futures.

As part of our continued growth, we are seeking a passionate and visionary Headteacher to lead New Barn School, a nurturing, innovative SEMH school supporting pupils aged 6–19 with complex social, emotional, and mental health needs, as well as other additional learning and communication difficulties.

About the Role

This is more than a leadership role – it’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact. 

As Headteacher, you will champion a culture of individualised, therapeutic, and holistic learning, leading a dedicated team to create an inclusive environment where every pupil can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

You will drive the school’s strategic vision, fostering resilience, creativity, and confidence in pupils, while maintaining outstanding educational and therapeutic provision. You will work closely with the senior leadership team and Regional Director to ensure high standards are consistently achieved and maintained.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading the school with a focus on improving academic performance, overcoming behavioural challenges, and raising aspirations
• Exercising dynamic leadership to develop and promote the school’s vision, ensuring continuous improvement
• Driving the shared strategic plan, motivating pupils, staff, and the wider school community
• Managing budgets effectively, ensuring cost efficiency and financial compliance
• Collaborating across teams to provide inclusive and therapeutic education

About You

You are a compassionate, dynamic leader with a strong moral purpose and a drive for transformational outcomes. You will:

• Have experience as a Headteacher or Deputy Headteacher in a specialist SEMH school
• Be skilled in Ofsted inspections and school improvement planning
• Inspire and lead high-performing teams
• Understand the importance of therapeutic education and inclusive practice
• Be adept at budget management and operational excellence
• Hold a relevant teaching qualification (QTS or equivalent)

About New Barn School

New Barn School is a growing school and caters for SEMH pupils aged 6-19. With almost 100 pupils across three sites, we are searching for someone to help us make a difference. We have a shared vision where we aim to build incredible futures by empowering neurodiverse pupils to be happy and make their way in the world.

Our growing school delivers a structured programme of education, tailored to each student’s individual needs and considering their Education, Health and Care plans. Students are taught in small cohorts and individually, by fully qualified teachers and instructors.

We provide inclusive education within a safe, nurturing environment where pupil’s needs are met.

We are part of Acorn Education and can promise you plenty of challenges, and a rich variety of opportunities to develop your career. Acorn Education is the UK’s leading independent provider of specialist education for vulnerable pupils and young people. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.

Why join Acorn Education?

We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.

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 get an exceptional reward package including:

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks

And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:

• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support. 

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

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, Outcomes First Group 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.

#1

Lead with Purpose, Inspire with Vision – Join New Barn School as Headteacher

Job Title:  Headteacher
Location:  New Barn School, Newbury, RG20 8HZ
Salary:      Up to £110,000.00 per annum (dependent on experience, not pro rata )
Contract:  Permanent, Term Time Only
Hours:      Monday – Friday
UK applicants only – This role does not offer sponsorship.

At Outcomes First Group (OFG), we believe in working smarter so you can focus on what truly matters: empowering lives and transforming futures.

As part of our continued growth, we are seeking a passionate and visionary Headteacher to lead New Barn School, a nurturing, innovative SEMH school supporting pupils aged 6–19 with complex social, emotional, and mental health needs, as well as other additional learning and communication difficulties.

About the Role

This is more than a leadership role – it’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact. 

As Headteacher, you will champion a culture of individualised, therapeutic, and holistic learning, leading a dedicated team to create an inclusive environment where every pupil can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

You will drive the school’s strategic vision, fostering resilience, creativity, and confidence in pupils, while maintaining outstanding educational and therapeutic provision. You will work closely with the senior leadership team and Regional Director to ensure high standards are consistently achieved and maintained.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading the school with a focus on improving academic performance, overcoming behavioural challenges, and raising aspirations
• Exercising dynamic leadership to develop and promote the school’s vision, ensuring continuous improvement
• Driving the shared strategic plan, motivating pupils, staff, and the wider school community
• Managing budgets effectively, ensuring cost efficiency and financial compliance
• Collaborating across teams to provide inclusive and therapeutic education

About You

You are a compassionate, dynamic leader with a strong moral purpose and a drive for transformational outcomes. You will:

• Have experience as a Headteacher or Deputy Headteacher in a specialist SEMH school
• Be skilled in Ofsted inspections and school improvement planning
• Inspire and lead high-performing teams
• Understand the importance of therapeutic education and inclusive practice
• Be adept at budget management and operational excellence
• Hold a relevant teaching qualification (QTS or equivalent)

About New Barn School

New Barn School is a growing school and caters for SEMH pupils aged 6-19. With almost 100 pupils across three sites, we are searching for someone to help us make a difference. We have a shared vision where we aim to build incredible futures by empowering neurodiverse pupils to be happy and make their way in the world.

Our growing school delivers a structured programme of education, tailored to each student’s individual needs and considering their Education, Health and Care plans. Students are taught in small cohorts and individually, by fully qualified teachers and instructors.

We provide inclusive education within a safe, nurturing environment where pupil’s needs are met.

We are part of Acorn Education and can promise you plenty of challenges, and a rich variety of opportunities to develop your career. Acorn Education is the UK’s leading independent provider of specialist education for vulnerable pupils and young people. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.

Why join Acorn Education?

We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.

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 get an exceptional reward package including:

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks

And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:

• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support. 

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

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, Outcomes First Group 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.

#1

Lead with Purpose, Inspire with Vision – Join New Barn School as Headteacher

Job Title:  Headteacher
Location:  New Barn School, Newbury, RG20 8HZ
Salary:      Up to £110,000.00 per annum (dependent on experience, not pro rata )
Contract:  Permanent, Term Time Only
Hours:      Monday – Friday
UK applicants only – This role does not offer sponsorship.

At Outcomes First Group (OFG), we believe in working smarter so you can focus on what truly matters: empowering lives and transforming futures.

As part of our continued growth, we are seeking a passionate and visionary Headteacher to lead New Barn School, a nurturing, innovative SEMH school supporting pupils aged 6–19 with complex social, emotional, and mental health needs, as well as other additional learning and communication difficulties.

About the Role

This is more than a leadership role – it’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact. 

As Headteacher, you will champion a culture of individualised, therapeutic, and holistic learning, leading a dedicated team to create an inclusive environment where every pupil can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

You will drive the school’s strategic vision, fostering resilience, creativity, and confidence in pupils, while maintaining outstanding educational and therapeutic provision. You will work closely with the senior leadership team and Regional Director to ensure high standards are consistently achieved and maintained.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading the school with a focus on improving academic performance, overcoming behavioural challenges, and raising aspirations
• Exercising dynamic leadership to develop and promote the school’s vision, ensuring continuous improvement
• Driving the shared strategic plan, motivating pupils, staff, and the wider school community
• Managing budgets effectively, ensuring cost efficiency and financial compliance
• Collaborating across teams to provide inclusive and therapeutic education

About You

You are a compassionate, dynamic leader with a strong moral purpose and a drive for transformational outcomes. You will:

• Have experience as a Headteacher or Deputy Headteacher in a specialist SEMH school
• Be skilled in Ofsted inspections and school improvement planning
• Inspire and lead high-performing teams
• Understand the importance of therapeutic education and inclusive practice
• Be adept at budget management and operational excellence
• Hold a relevant teaching qualification (QTS or equivalent)

About New Barn School

New Barn School is a growing school and caters for SEMH pupils aged 6-19. With almost 100 pupils across three sites, we are searching for someone to help us make a difference. We have a shared vision where we aim to build incredible futures by empowering neurodiverse pupils to be happy and make their way in the world.

Our growing school delivers a structured programme of education, tailored to each student’s individual needs and considering their Education, Health and Care plans. Students are taught in small cohorts and individually, by fully qualified teachers and instructors.

We provide inclusive education within a safe, nurturing environment where pupil’s needs are met.

We are part of Acorn Education and can promise you plenty of challenges, and a rich variety of opportunities to develop your career. Acorn Education is the UK’s leading independent provider of specialist education for vulnerable pupils and young people. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.

Why join Acorn Education?

We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.

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 get an exceptional reward package including:

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks

And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:

• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support. 

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

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, Outcomes First Group 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.

#1

Location: South East England

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

Contract: Permanent, Full-time

About Us

We are a large national organisation with several schools, operating across multiple sites. We are continuing to grow and invest in our people to ensure we deliver excellence and impact at scale.

Purpose of the Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Deputy Headteacher to help lead an all ability school for children and young people.

We are seeking a dynamic and resilient leader with a strong track record in education who can inspire staff, drive improvement, and create an inclusive environment where every pupil thrives.

Key Requirements:

• Significant leadership experience.
• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), with NPQH or equivalent desirable.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding and Ofsted requirements.
• Ability to motivate and manage staff effectively.
• Commitment to delivering outstanding outcomes for pupils.

This is a opportunity to shape a school and make a lasting difference to children and young people.

Location: Gloucestershire Area

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

Contract: Permanent, Full-time

About Us

We are a large national organisation with several thousand colleagues, operating across multiple sites. We are continuing to grow and invest in our people to ensure we deliver excellence and impact at scale.

Purpose of the Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Headteacher to lead a specialist school for children and young people with additional needs.

We are seeking a dynamic and resilient leader with a strong track record in special education who can inspire staff, drive improvement, and create an inclusive environment where every pupil thrives.

Key Requirements:

• Significant leadership experience.
• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), with NPQH or equivalent desirable.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, SEND provision and Ofsted requirements.
• Ability to motivate and manage staff effectively.
• Commitment to delivering outstanding outcomes for pupils.

This is a opportunity to shape a school and make a lasting difference to children and young people.

How would you like to get paid for five days, but only work four?

At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance — and we’re putting wellbeing first. That’s why we’re proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, where you can work one day less each week (or equivalent hours), while still receiving your full-time pay.

Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW — and others are preparing to roll it out as soon as they reach full staffing. So, whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG.

• Job Title: Headteacher
• Salary: Up to £80,000 per annum depending on experience
• Location: Claystone School, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 4LL
• Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday
• Contract: Permanent, Term Time only
• Start: November 2025

UK Applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced and dedicated Headteacher to join our close-knit team at Claystone School, where you will lead with passion and vision to make a real difference in the lives of pupils with complex needs.

About the Role

Are you an innovative and visionary Headteacher or Senior Leader passionate about improving the lives of pupils with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and complex additional needs? Claystone School offers an inspiring leadership role within a friendly, forward-thinking team committed to creating an inclusive and nurturing environment for every child.

We are a small independent special school for learners aged 4–11 with Autism, additional learning difficulties, and complex needs. We value each child’s unique strengths and provide tailored support through rigorous assessment, an Autism-friendly environment, bespoke curricula, and Autism-specific interventions. Our approach focuses on social communication and interaction, encouraging students to think differently while nurturing curiosity and meaningful learning. At Claystone, we believe: “Embracing Difference leads to Endless Possibilities.”

As Headteacher, you will lead with integrity and creativity, driving excellence in education tailored to the strengths and challenges of our pupils. Your strategic insight will maximise achievement and wellbeing, fostering a school culture that is inclusive, nurturing, and ambitious.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership, embedding the school’s vision, ethos, and values.
• Develop and implement high-quality, personalised programs for pupils with ASC and complex needs.
• Inspire and develop staff, promoting collaboration, professional growth, and high expectations.
• Ensure compliance with statutory regulations and maintain outstanding standards in safeguarding, health, safety, and educational outcomes.
• Work with SLT, the Governing Body, and Regional Director to drive school improvement.
• Promote partnerships with pupils, families, agencies, and the community to support holistic development.
• Integrate therapeutic approaches into the educational framework.
• Manage budgets and resources to support strategic priorities and sustainable growth.
• Lead recruitment, retention, and staff wellbeing initiatives.
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Maintain robust communication with all stakeholders.
• Represent the school in local authority and national forums.

Who We’re Looking For

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and NPQH (or equivalent senior leadership qualification).
• Proven leadership experience in special education, ideally with ASC and complex needs.
• Exceptional strategic, organisational, and decision-making skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for building positive relationships with all stakeholders.
• Commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, and pupil wellbeing.
• Ability to inspire, empower, and develop staff through coaching and mentoring.

Join us to lead a school where every child is valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

About the School

Our brand-new Options Autism school – Claystone School in Luton, Bedfordshire – is designed to support up to 48 pupils aged 4–11, providing a nurturing and specialist environment for children with ASC and complex needs.

For over 16 years Options Autism have provided care and education to pupils, young people and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.

Why join Options Autism?

We place the outcomes of the pupils in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.

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 get an exceptional reward package including:

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks

And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:

• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

*You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 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, Outcomes First Group 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.

The Position:

We are looking for a leader of exceptional calibre and character to lead the Ashbrook team on a full time, permanent basis. We are looking for a forward thinking, highly motivated and truly inspirational practitioner who has a passion for developing the leaders of our future and ensuring every student realises their potential.

Commencing from January 2026, with responsibility to support the day-to-day management and professional leadership of the Ashbrook Campus and will ensure curriculum delivery focusing on the student as a self-directed learner and the implementation of the school’s policies and programs and the provision of pastoral care.

Reporting to the Regional Principal and supported by an experienced Executive Team with expert and high-level support in the areas of Curriculum, Administration, HR, Finance, ICT, Property and WHS, you will be a key member of the senior educational leadership team, providing educational and academic leadership to staff and students.

The Campus:

OneSchool Global UK Ashbrook Campus is a brand new OSG campus that will boast state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology, ensuring that both online and face-to-face classes are outstandingly catered for. The facility will represent OSG’s ambitions as a leading global school, with all building decisions made to support the successful implementation of our signature pedagogy- The Learning to Learn framework.

This new campus sees two of our successful campuses merging together. Nottingham and Atherstone campuses have both seen fantastic results through school from KS2 to A-Level and this campus will be striving for the highest standards of teaching, learning and results. Our Campus will have approximately 220 students with an average class size of 22.

Skills & Experience:

If you possess previous leadership experience, for example, as an Assistant/Deputy Headteacher, campus leader or an equivalent level in curriculum development or teaching and learning, and you thrive, with energy, on change and innovation and always want to see better outcomes, then this role is for you.

‘Humble, Hungry, and Smart’ are three key attributes our teams thrive on. They find these not only strengthen their ability to perform but also open doors of progression and growth within the organisation.

Why you’ll love working with us

At OneSchool Global, we’re committed to helping our educators grow, succeed, and reach their full potential. As part of our team, you’ll benefit from:

• A competitive salary enhancement PayScale's.
• Teachers’ Pension Scheme membership.
• Staff referral scheme for OSG UK colleagues.
• Enthusiastic, motivated students who want to learn with minimal behavioural challenges.
• High-quality, technology-empowered learning environments.
• Ongoing professional learning opportunities through our Global Teacher Academy.
• Strong career advancement opportunities.
• Great work-life balance and a focus on well-being. No after-school or weekend sports and limited out-of-hours school activities.
• Signature pedagogy – self-directed learning framework.
• Collaborate with fellow OSG educators across the UK and around the world.

About OSG

OneSchool Global is one of the world’s largest, truly global schools, with over 8000 students, 120+ campuses and 2000 staff operating across 20 countries. Our innovative approach to education emphasises self-directed learning, where students take initiative and responsibility for their learning journey. In the UK, we have 25 campuses spanning across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Learn more

Working with us:

Campus Pages: Our Campuses | OneSchool Global Locations Worldwide

Our values:

Are you ready to take the next step in your career and truly experience the joy of teaching? If so, click apply today!

If you would like to arrange a visit to the campus or an informal conversation regarding the role please email Terry Arnett, Talent Acquisition Partner

Closing Date for application forms: Friday 17th October 2025

Interviews to be held week commencing: 20th October 2025

Early applications are encouraged, and we reserve the right to close the vacancy if a suitable candidate is found.

OneSchool Global UK is committed to safeguarding and protecting the children and young people that we work with. As such, all posts are subject to a safer recruitment process, including the disclosure of criminal records, online searches and vetting checks. This post will be subject to a Section 128 Prohibition from the management of independent schools check.

We ensure that we have a range of policies and procedures in place which promote safeguarding and safer working practice across the school. This is in line with statutory guidance Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025 and The Education Act 2002, we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.