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. Job Title: Deputy Headteacher
Location: New Barn School, Newbury, Berkshire RG20 8HZ
Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8.Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only
New Barn School, part of Acorn Education, is seeking an inspiring, visionary, and compassionate Deputy Headteacher – Quality of Education to join our supportive and ambitious leadership team. This is a rare opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of young people, helping them achieve their potential academically, socially, and personally in a school built on care, collaboration, and excellence.
In this key leadership role, you will work closely with the Headteacher to shape the educational experience of every student. You will be at the heart of a school community that values kindness, creativity, and growth—for pupils and staff alike.
Every day brings new opportunities to lead with empathy, inspire your team, and make a tangible difference in the school. Your strategic insight, vision, and enthusiasm will help create a nurturing environment where both students and staff thrive, and where achievement, wellbeing, and personal growth are celebrated equally.
Partner with the Headteacher to provide visionary leadership and direction for the school.
Champion a positive, inclusive, and aspirational school culture.
Lead curriculum planning, monitoring, and improvement to ensure outstanding teaching and learning.
Work collaboratively across a multi-disciplinary team to embed excellence in school policy and practice.
Contribute to strategic planning, evidence-based school development, and initiatives that enrich the learning environment.
Support and mentor staff, inspiring them to reach their full potential and deliver high-quality education.
UK Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
Full UK Driving Licence
If you are passionate about making a lasting impact, shaping a school culture where every student feels seen, supported, and challenged, and leading a talented and committed team, we would love to hear from you. At New Barn School, your leadership will be valued, your ideas welcomed, and every day will offer the chance to celebrate progress, achievement, and growth—both for pupils and staff.
New Barn School offers a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum to boys and girls, aged 6 – 19 years who have Social, Emotional and Mental Health complexities.
New Barn School takes full advantage of its beautiful settings and fosters a love for using the outdoor curriculum including forest school, farm experiences and horse riding. The School is within a commutable distance of Swindon, Oxford, Andover, Basingstoke and Reading and other surrounding towns and villages.
Our services offer a stable, secure and supportive environment, in which the pupils and young people we care for can develop the skills and confidence necessary to help them fulfil their potential.
Acorn Education is the UK’s leading independent provider of specialist education. 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.
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.
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
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.