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Job Title: Assistant Headteacher
Salary: Up to £56,000 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)
Location: New Barn School, Newbury, Berkshire, RG20 8HZ
Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday–Friday
Rota: 8:30am–4:30pm (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri) | 8:30am–5:00pm (Wed)
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: February 2026
UK Applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.
As part of our continued growth, we are excited to invite an ambitious and inspirational Assistant Headteacher to join the exceptional team at New Barn School — a role offering real influence, meaningful leadership, and the opportunity to shape lives every day.
About the Role
New Barn School, part of Options Autism, is looking for a passionate and forward-thinking Assistant Headteacher ready to make a lasting impact on pupils, staff, and the wider school community.
Working closely with the Headteacher, you will play a key strategic and operational role, helping to drive school improvement while maintaining a nurturing, inclusive environment where every pupil feels safe, valued, and able to succeed.
This is more than a leadership position — it’s an opportunity to lead with purpose. You will help shape a vision that enables children and young people with additional needs to build confidence, achieve success, and realise their full potential both inside and beyond the classroom.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the development of an innovative, engaging curriculum tailored to pupils with SEMH and complex needs
Drive pupil progress and outcomes through effective, data-informed leadership
Champion positive behaviour, wellbeing, and pastoral care, fostering a calm and supportive school culture
Inspire and develop staff through coaching, mentoring, and high-quality professional development
Provide visible, confident leadership that strengthens expectations and school identity
Build strong partnerships with families, external professionals, and the wider community to enhance opportunities for pupils
Who We’re Looking For
You will be an enthusiastic and resilient leader with the vision, empathy, and determination to inspire others and drive meaningful change. You will bring:
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent
A full UK driving licence
Proven experience in middle or senior leadership within education
A strong track record of raising standards and improving outcomes
Excellence as a classroom practitioner across multiple key stages
Outstanding communication, organisational, and people leadership skills
A deep commitment to inclusion, safeguarding, and pupil wellbeing
If you are ready to take the next step in your leadership journey and join a school where your leadership will truly matter, we would love to hear from you.
About Us
New Barn School, part of Options Autism, provides inclusive, nurturing education for autistic children and young people with complex needs across three sites. We deliver personalised learning, therapeutic support, and vocational opportunities tailored to each pupil’s Education, Health and Care Plan. Pupils learn in small, supportive settings that promote confidence, independence, and emotional wellbeing. Built on strong partnerships with families, New Barn empowers every learner to thrive and prepare for life beyond school.
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, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care.
We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.
Why Join Us?
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. We are committed to the 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 contributions
“Your Wellbeing Matters” – 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/paternity leave and 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.
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